John Prescott

• Preferred Name: John Prescott^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] [60] [61] [62]}
  
• Gender: M
  
• Burial: AFT 20 DEC 1681 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.4 LONG: E71.9 with note: No support for the 22nd.
  
• FSID: LX3X-MWP
  
• Death: 20 DEC 1681 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.4 LONG: E71.9 with note: GEDCOM data - also, see Lancaster Massachusetts vitals, pg 20 "John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, aged about seventy-seven years; nuncupative will proved December 20, 1681." 20 Dec 1681 is death date, will proved 4 Apr 1682.
  
• Residence: Removed Watertown1645 in Lancaster, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.457 LONG: E71.6728
  
• Occupation: Miller
  
• Will+Proved: 4 APR 1682 in Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.4997 LONG: E71.3333 with note: Description: Prescott, John - Case Number18076, page 1 of 5, Middlesex Cases 18000-19999 Remingtons of Utah p. 114-15. 20 Dec 1681 would be impossible. He died in Dec. 1681. Also, see Probate Record: 1682 Massachusetts Case Number: 18076 page 1 of 5 Vol: Middlesex Cases 18000-19999 page: 18076:1 *John Prescott (1604-1681) died testate as a resident of Lancaster, Massachusetts. He left a long will and a large estate. The will reads (transcribed from Middlesex County (MA) Probate Records, Probate Packet #18,076, on FHL Microfilm 0,421,496, which includes the original handwritten will, not a probate court copy.): "Apr. 4, 1682: Roger Sumner, Ralph Houghton appearing in Court md oath to ye above sd will Jonathan Remington Cler" **
  
• Occupation: Blacksmith, Miller
  
• Residence: 1629 in Sowerby, Yorkshire, England at LATI: N3.7047 LONG: E1.9393 with note: marriage record
  
• Residence: Removed from Boston1641 in Watertown, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.3667 LONG: E71.1667
  
• Birth: 1605 in Standish, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom at LATI: N3.5868 LONG: E2.6665 with note: Removed "United Kingdom" designation since the UK didn't exist until later. Using the correct standardized places helps a lot when visually searching birthplaces for tracking nationalities. All other vitals left intact. Changed to 1604 in Yorkshire per wikitree.com. One more time!
  
• Lived in Sowerby, Yorkshire, England: BEF 1637
  
• Occupation: Blacksmith
  
• Residence: Moved to Boston1640 in Boston, Massachusetts Bay, British Colonial America
  
• Residence: Removed for Barbados1640 in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America at LATI: N2.3605 LONG: E71.0591 with note: See Life Sketch of Mary Gawkroger. Also documented in "Joseph Spurgeon Longley, His Life and Family". Changed the Title.
  
• Will Proved: 20 DEC 1681
  
• Notes:

  === Life Sketch ===
  John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington.
  That John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts was the son Ralph Prescott (d. 1608), and a great-grandson of James Prescott by Alice Standish was first published by William Prescott in his Prescott Memorial in 1870.[1]
  However, this was later rejected by Donald Lines Jacobus in his Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines in 1933 who, without much discussion, simply stated “the identity does not seem to have been positively established.”[2]
  Next came Frederick Lewis Weis who in 1957 published Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott which, following The Prescott Memorial, showed a rather illustrious ancestry for John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. through his father Ralph Prescott and grandmother Alice Standish.[3]
  When the book was reviewed in The American Genealogist by editor Donald Lines Jacobus, he stated that his opinion had not changed from the one he gave 25 years before in Botsford-Marble, that the identity remains unproven.[4]
  Weis attempted to answer Jacobus’ criticisms and published Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959).
  When this book was reviewed by Jacobus, the conclusions of Weis were sharply criticized and rejected again.[5] Jacobus called out Weis for drawing firm conclusions from possibilities and suppositions. He did not deny that Weis could be right regarding the parentage of John Prescott, just that it remained unproven and should not be stated so categorically as fact.
  The noted genealogist John G. Hunt also evaluated the problem and also rejected the conclusions of Weis in a NEHGR article in 1959. He pointed out that the only certain English home of John Prescott was in Halifax, Yorkshire. And that there were many Prescott families in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with a number of possible John Prescotts who could be the immigrant.[6][7]
  Weis in 1961 defended his position and published John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). I’m not sure there was anything new here compared with his 1959 book. He was restating his positions.
  Of course, Weis stuck to his guns and published the lines in his "Ancestral Roots" and "Magna Carta Sureties" book series, which is the original basis of many online databases.[8][9] Here the debate sat with Weis firmly stating the descent is “conclusively proven” and Jacobus saying “it remains unproven.” Though Jacobus did not deny the possibility, he did find it unlikely.
  However it should be noted, the editors of later editions of AR and MCS (Walter Lee Shepard, William R. Beall and David Faris) broke the line with: The Magna Carta Sureties 1215, 4th edition (1991): page130. – “There is insufficient evidence to identify John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with John, son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. Research is continuing.” And in Ancestral Roots, seventh edition (1992): page 39. – “The identification of John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with the son John, of Ralph of Shevington is still challenged. See TAG 34:180 and elsewhere. While evidence is not conclusive, the alternatives are not either. This line requires further work.”
  The matter was finally settled by Adell T. Prescott who led an exhaustive investigation into the Lancashire and Yorkshire Prescotts. John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. The conclusion was first published in the quarterly newsletter Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott[10], but see also March 1992 and the near quarterly updates into the ongoing English research published over the next decade. The research of Adell T. Prescott is very good and examined the wills of the Prescotts and many related families, land records, law suits, marriage settlements and parish records to show that John, son of Ralph Prescott, never left his home of Longryding in Shevington. It is perhaps unfortunate that this excellent research was not published in a more widely available source.[11]
  Among the observations and conclusions (see articles for detailed evidence):
  1. Weis incorrectly stated the parish records at Standish contained a gap from 1602-1610. The records do exist and no son John was born in the time period.
  2. John was the oldest son of Ralph and Helen Prescott and likely born between 1590 and 1592 when a gap in the records do exist.
  3. John Prescotts’s father Ralph and grandfather Roger both lived at Longryding in Shevington. John Prescott continued to live here and was frequently called in records John Prescott of Longryding until his death in 1661. John’s son Ralph was also of Longryding until his death in 1702.
  4. John Prescott, son of Ralph, did not marry in Yorkshire and move to Massachusetts, he married Margaret Walthew at Wigan on 30 September 1616.
  5. He was the father of Roger Prescott of Hindley and Ralph Prescott of Longryding in Shevington.
  6. John Prescott of Longryding who served as executor of the will of his nephew Ralph Chamberlain in 1653. (son of Edward Chamberlain who married a sister of John Prescott).
  7. John Prescott was buried at Standish on 2 December 1661.
  8. His son Ralph married (settlement 1649) Margaret Rylands. This Ralph was also of Longryding in Shevington when he died 1702.
  Sources
  Footnotes and citations:
  ↑ Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a genealogical memoir of the Prescott families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34.
  ↑ Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com.
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org
  ↑ The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  ↑ TAG vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  ↑ NEHGR vol. 133 (1959): pages 70-71. Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt.
  ↑ English Origins of New England Families, Second Series Vol. II (Baltimore, 1985): pages 937-938, Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt. Ancestry.com Link (Note: reprint of NEHGR vol. 133:70-71).
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by Weis show the line as proven. Beginning with the 4th edition, the line is marked unproven.
  ↑ Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott
  ↑ Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington, by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992
  Source list:
  The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of Descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus. AmericanAncestors.org Link
  The American Genealogist vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  Holman, Mary Lovering. Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens and his Wife Frances Helen Miller, vol. 1 (New Hampshire, 1948): pages 54-60.
  Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com.
  Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott
  Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992.
  Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a Genealogical Memoir of the Prescott Families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34. Caution: Original source of error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959). Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). Available at hathitrust.org. Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by
  
  John Prescott from Wheeler Family of Ruthland
  JOHN PRESCOTT HISTORY
  John Prescott, the father of Sarah (Prescott) Wheeler, was born at Shevington, Lancashire, England in 1604-5 and resided there until his marriage to Mary Platts, Jan. 21, 1628
  
  John Prescott
  In 1669, John was admitted freeman. He was a farmer, blacksmith, and millwright. John Prescott was a heroic figure in the early history of Lancaster and Groton. He brought with him a metallic coat
  
  John Prescott
  John had brought with him when he came from England in 1640 a suit of mail - with helmet and cuirass. One day some Indians took one of his horses. John put on his armor, pursued them alone, and soon
  
  History of John Prescott and Mary Platts Gawkroger follows:
  John Prescott
  Memorial
  Photos
  Flowers
  Edit
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  Birth: 1605
  Death: Dec., 1681
  Lancaster
  Worcester County
  Massachusetts, USA
  
  John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA.
  John Prescott, Sr. was born about
  
  History of John Prescott and Mary Platts Gawkroger follows:
  John Prescott
  •Memorial
  •
  Birth: 1605
  Death: Dec., 1681
  Lancaster
  Worcester County
  Massachusetts, USA
  
  John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA.
  John Prescott, Sr. was born about 1605 in England and d
  
  History of John Prescott and Mary Platts Gawkroger follows (2):
  John Prescott (1605-1681)
  (Founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts)
  Mary Gawkroger (alias Platt) (1607-1718)
  John Prescott was born about 1605 in England and died in Lancaster, Massachusetts in 1683. He m
  
  Memorial Originally Created by: Jim Sanders Record added: Mar 06, 2002
  Birth: 1605
  Death: Dec., 1681
  Lancaster
  Worcester County
  Massachusetts, USA
  
  John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA.
  
  John Prescott, Sr. was born about 1605 in England and died in Lancaster, MA in 16
  
  Prescott Family History Follows:
  PRESCOTT FAMILY
  (Note: Records go back further than 1400.)
  
  January 20, 2020
  July 4, 2018
  
  GENERATIONS
  
  1. Ralph Prescott 1571-1609 \\
  1.a. Unknown or Ellen Shaw 1570-1643 \\
  
  2. John Prescott 1604-
  
  PRESCOTT FAMILY HISTORY FOLLOWS:
  PRESCOTT FAMILY
  (Note: Records go back further than 1400.)
  December 23, 2015
  
  1.JOHN PRESCOTT III (1410-1500)
  ELIZABETH BRIGHTHOUSE (1425-1500)
  
  JOHN PRESCOTT III was born about 1410, of Lancaster, E
  
  Sharon's Notes
  From THE PIONEERS OF MASSACHUSETTS: A DESCRIPTIVE LIST, Drawn from Records of the Colonies, Towns and Churches and other Contemporaneous Documents, by Charles Henry Pope, pastor First Church, Charlest
  
  Find a grave.com
  John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA.
  John Prescott, Sr. was born about 1605 in England and died in Lancaster, MA in 1683. He married Mary Gawkroger (alias Platt) (1607-1718) on April 11, 1629 in S
  
  === !Weis. 34-43. John Prescott was the fo ===
  !Weis. 34-43. John Prescott was the founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, in 1645. He made his own will in 1673 which was probated 4 Apr. 1682. He is perhaps the one who married in Halifax, Yorkshire 11 Apr. 1629 to Mary Platts--see her individual record. The deposition of Mary Prescott of Lancaster dated 1678, when she was 66 years or thereabouts, identifies John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts, with Halifax, Yorkshire where his children were baptised, while the will of his reputed father, Ralph in Weis 34-42, does NOT identify him with the Prescott and Standish families of Standish Parish in Lancashire, England. (SEE WEIS 34-43.)
  
  === John Prescott - The first in America. T ===
  John Prescott - The first in America. This line has been extended backward further into antiquity, but for the purposes of this record, it will begin here and allow the reader to search out those other records for himself. The Prescott family were true pioneers in every sense of the word, having settled the land and helped build it up.
  
  "of Shevington, Standish Parish, Lancashire, married Mary Platts (Platts interchangeable with Gawkroger) in 1629. Her family appears to have been subsequently of the parish of Halifax in Yorkshire, some of whom are mentioned in the will of George Fairbanks of Sowerby dated in 1650.
  
  From James Prescott information - The father of the emigrant James Prescott who settled in Hampton, New Hampshire;, in 1665, was a second cousin to John Prescott who settled in Watertown, Mass, in 1640, their grandfathers being brothers, and sons of James of Standish. James of Hampton was a descendant of James, Jr., who married Alice Mollneaux, and was made lord of the manor of Dryby in Lincolnshire, and thereby became Sir James, and new arms granted to him.
  
  Is the relationship between John and James correct?
  
  === [SirPrescott.FTW] Said to have been a C ===
  [SirPrescott.FTW] Said to have been a Cromwellian soldier. First to Barbados in1638 and to Boston in 1640. Brought his armor and coat of arms with him and later founded Lancaster, MA
  
  === !SOURCE-CHILD-SPOUSE: "Descendants of N ===
  !SOURCE-CHILD-SPOUSE: "Descendants of Nathaniel Sawyer, Jr., Grandson of Thomas Sawyer of Lancaster", contributed by Warren Sawyer, Esq., Pres. of the Everett National Bank of Boston, in the book - Sawyers in America, by Amory Carter, pub 1883, p86.
  
  === [timothy_parish.ged] According to well- ===
  [timothy_parish.ged] According to well-documented research in the "Ancestors of R. W. Roy" website, compiled by Robert A. Roy of Herndon, Virginia (17 September 2001): "He was a blacksmith. He was mentioned in the will of Ralph Prescott on 7 November 1608 in Shevington, Standish Parish, Lancashire, England. He moved in 1629 to Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England. He and Mary Platts immigrated circa 1638 to Barbadoes. He and Mary Platts immigrated in 1640 to Boston, Massachusetts; and settled in Watertown. He was probably a Cromwellian soldier and brought to the new world with him a helmet and coat of chain mail. Caleb Butler, in his 'History of Groton' gives this story: "John was a sturdy, strong man of stern countenance, and whenever he had any difficulty with the Indians, he would clothe himself with his coat of mail, helmet, cuirass, and gorget, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance. They having once stolen from him a horse, he put on his armour and pursued them; and in a short time overtook the party. They were surprised to see him alone, and a chief approached him with uplifted tomahawk. John told him to strike, which he did, and finding the blow made no impression on his cap, he was much astonished, and asked John to let him put it on, and then strike on his head, as he had done on John's. The helmet being too small for the chief's head, the stroke settled it down to his ears, scraping off the skin of both sides of his head. They gave him up his horse, thinking him to be a supernatural being.". He and Mary Platts moved circa 1643 to The Nashaway Purchase, now Lancaster, Massachusetts, thus becoming the first settler of Lancaster and the first settler in Worcester County. In 1652, he agreed with the town of Lancaster to build a grist mill. It was completed and ground its first grain on 23 March 1653/54. He took the Oath of Fidelity in 1652. In 1657, he built a saw mill above his grist mill. In 1667, he contracted with the town of Groton to b uild them a grist mill in exchange for 520 acres of land. He did so on a site,now in the bounds of Harvard. He placed his son, Jonas in charge, and later deeded the lands and mill to him. He served on 3 February 1667 as Selectman of Lancaster. He became a freeman on 19 May 1669. He moved in 1676 to Concord, Massachusetts, after Lancaster's distruction. He returned in 1679 to Lancaster, Massachusetts. At the 250th anniversary of the founding of Lancaster, a memorial stone was erected at his grave site. It reads as follows: "HERE WITH HIS CHILDREN ABOUT HIM LIES JOHN PRESCOTT FOUNDER OF LANCASTER AND FIRST SETTLER OF WORCESTER COUNTY BORN AT STANDISH LANCASHIRE ENGLAND DIED AT LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS DEC 1681 INSPIRED BY THE LOVE OF LIBERTY AND THE FEAR OF GOD THIS STOUT HEARTED PIONEER FORSAKING THE PLEASANT VALES OF ENGLAND AND ENCOUNTERED WILD BEAST AND SAVAGE TO SECURE FREEDOM FOR HIMSELF AND HIS POSTERITY HIS FAITH AND VIRTUES HAVE BEEN INHERITED BY MANY DESCENDANTS WHO IN EVERY GENERATION HAVE WELL SERVED THE STATE IN WAR, IN LITERATURE, AT THE BAR, IN THE PULPIT, IN PUBLIC LIFE, AND IN CHRISTIAN HOMES." Children of John Prescott and Mary Platts are: i. Mary Prescott964, born Abt. 1630 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England964,965; died Abt. April 1716 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts965; married Thomas Sawyer 02 July 1648 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts966,967. More About Mary Prescott: Christening: 24 February 1629/30, Yorkshire, England968,969 More About Thomas Sawyer: Christening: 24 March 1629/30, Lincolnshire, England969 ii. ? Prescott969, born 07 March 1630/31 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England969; died 07 March 1630/31 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England969. iii. Martha Prescott970, born Abt. March 1631/32 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England970; died 24 January 1655/56 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts970,971; married John Rugg 04 November 1654 in Lancaster, Worce ster, Massachusetts972,973. Notes for Martha Prescott: Died at the age of 23 years, 10 months, and 13 days. Her death was recorded as 24 (11) 1655. She died due to complications of childbirth of two twins, both of which also died at birth. More About Martha Prescott: Baptism: 11 March 1631/32, England974 iv. ? Prescott975, born 1633 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England975; died 03 January 1633/34 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England975. v. John Prescott976, born Abt. March 1634/35 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England976; died Aft. 1718977; married (1) Sarah Hayward 11 November 1668 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts978; married (2) Mary Haynes 15 November 1710 in Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts978,979. Notes for John Prescott: John Prescott was an "agriculturist and blacksmith." More About John Prescott: Baptism: 01 April 1635, England980 Notes for Mary Haynes: The widow Mary Howe. vi. Sarah Prescott980, born Abt. April 1637 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England980; died 25 August 1714 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts981; married (1) Richard Wheeler 02 August 1658 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts982; married (2) Joseph Rice 22 December 1677 in Dedham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts982. More About Sarah Prescott: Baptism: 16 April 1637, Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England983 Notes for Richard Wheeler: Killed by Indians with Jonas Fairbanks and son Joshua. According to well-documented research in the "Ancestors of R. W. Roy" website, compiled by Robert A. Roy of Herndon, Virginia (17 September 2001): He died on Saturday 9 February 1675/76 in Lancaster, Massachusetts, at age 65 years killed by Indians who had climbed on top of a barn and shot down over the palisades. He emigrated in August 1635 from London, England, on board the Thomas, Henry Tavener, Master, bound for "Virginia". He and 57 others were examined for matters touching their conformity in our religion by a minis ter at Gravesend before embarkment. He was a proprietor in 1644 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was granted land on 1 January 1646/47 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was a proprietor in 1651 in Medfield, Massachusetts, While one of the original proprietors, it is doubtful he ever lived there. He was granted land on 26 February 1651/52 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He served on 17 May 1652 as one of three Commissioners to lay out the road between Dedham and Braintree. He served in 1659 in Dedham, Massachusetts, as a Fence Viewer. He served on 22 June 1660 in Dedham, Massachusetts, as a member of a committee to "to view the Lande both vpland & meadow near about the pondes by Georges Indians wigwam and make report of what they find to the selectman in the first opportunity they can take." He was granted land on 5 July 1660 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He moved between 1661 and 1663 to Lancaster, Massachusetts. He was granted land on 2 February 1668/69 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. He became a freeman on 19 May 1669 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Richard's estate was inventoried on 21 August 1676. vii. Hannah Prescott984, born Abt. April 1639 in Island of Barbados, Carribean Sea984,985; died 11 September 1697 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts986; married John Rugg 04 May 1660 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts986,987. Notes for Hannah Prescott: Died at the age of 58 years, 4 months, and 26 days, killed by Indians. More About Hannah Prescott: Baptism: 16 April 1639, Island of Barbados, Carribean Sea987 viii. Lydia Prescott988, born 15 August 1641 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts988; died 1712989; married (1) Elias Barron; married (2) Jonas Fairbanks 28 May 1658 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts990. Notes for Jonas Fairbanks: Killed by Indians. ix. Jonathan Prescott990, born Bet. 1643 - 1646 in (probably) Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts990; died 05 December 1721 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts990; married (1) Do rothy Hoar 03 August 1670990; married (2) Elizabeth Hoar 23 December 1675 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts990. x. Joseph Prescott991, born 1645 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts991; died 31 December 1732991; married Mary in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts991. 1314 xi. Jonas Prescott, born 30 June 1648 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died 31 December 1723 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; married (1) Mary Riddlesdale Loker 14 December 1672 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts; married (2) Mary Page 30 April 1718. John Prescott "is an ancient Planter & hath bin a Vsefull helpfull & publique spirted man doinge many good offices ffor the Country relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, directinge of Passengers &c . . . " Records of the General Court of Massachusetts, 29 May 1672. "Prescott is the most distinguished name in the annals of Groton, and the families bearing it have been numerous." Hon. S. A. Green, Groton Epitaphs, 1878, page 249. John Prescott, pioneer, blacksmith, soldier, millwright, miller, selectman, farmer, trader, hunter, surveyor, builder of roads and bridges, the foremost citizen and Founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, was born about 1604 in Lancashire, England. His bold signature heads the list of fifty-five signers of the Town and Church Covenant which brought about the organization of the town and establishment of the First Church of Christ in Lancaster, now in its 308th year. Source: John Prescott of Lancaster, fMA 1643-1681 by Frederick Lewis Weis, TH.D. 1961.
  
  === !Records compiled by Clara Coburn Hearn ===
  !Records compiled by Clara Coburn Hearn John Prescott, blacksmith, trained by Richard, son of Wm., married Mary Platts /Gawkroger. They settled in Lancaster, Mass. and they had seven children.
  
  === The Descendants of John Rugg, by Ellen R ===
  The Descendants of John Rugg, by Ellen R. Rugg of Leominster, Mass., page 15.
  
  === John Prescott was definitely not son of Ralph. ===
  John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington.
  That John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts was the son Ralph Prescott (d. 1608), and a great-grandson of James Prescott by Alice Standish was first published by William Prescott in his Prescott Memorial in 1870.[1]
  However, this was later rejected by Donald Lines Jacobus in his Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines in 1933 who, without much discussion, simply stated “the identity does not seem to have been positively established.”[2]
  Next came Frederick Lewis Weis who in 1957 published Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott which, following The Prescott Memorial, showed a rather illustrious ancestry for John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. through his father Ralph Prescott and grandmother Alice Standish.[3]
  When the book was reviewed in The American Genealogist by editor Donald Lines Jacobus, he stated that his opinion had not changed from the one he gave 25 years before in Botsford-Marble, that the identity remains unproven.[4]
  Weis attempted to answer Jacobus’ criticisms and published Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959).
  When this book was reviewed by Jacobus, the conclusions of Weis were sharply criticized and rejected again.[5] Jacobus called out Weis for drawing firm conclusions from possibilities and suppositions. He did not deny that Weis could be right regarding the parentage of John Prescott, just that it remained unproven and should not be stated so categorically as fact.
  The noted genealogist John G. Hunt also evaluated the problem and also rejected the conclusions of Weis in a NEHGR article in 1959. He pointed out that the only certain English home of John Prescott was in Halifax, Yorkshire. And that there were many Prescott families in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with a number of possible John Prescotts who could be the immigrant.[6][7]
  Weis in 1961 defended his position and published John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). I’m not sure there was anything new here compared with his 1959 book. He was restating his positions.
  Of course, Weis stuck to his guns and published the lines in his "Ancestral Roots" and "Magna Carta Sureties" book series, which is the original basis of many online databases.[8][9] Here the debate sat with Weis firmly stating the descent is “conclusively proven” and Jacobus saying “it remains unproven.” Though Jacobus did not deny the possibility, he did find it unlikely.
  However it should be noted, the editors of later editions of AR and MCS (Walter Lee Shepard, William R. Beall and David Faris) broke the line with: The Magna Carta Sureties 1215, 4th edition (1991): page130. – “There is insufficient evidence to identify John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with John, son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. Research is continuing.” And in Ancestral Roots, seventh edition (1992): page 39. – “The identification of John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with the son John, of Ralph of Shevington is still challenged. See TAG 34:180 and elsewhere. While evidence is not conclusive, the alternatives are not either. This line requires further work.”
  The matter was finally settled by Adell T. Prescott who led an exhaustive investigation into the Lancashire and Yorkshire Prescotts. John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. The conclusion was first published in the quarterly newsletter Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott[10], but see also March 1992 and the near quarterly updates into the ongoing English research published over the next decade. The research of Adell T. Prescott is very good and examined the wills of the Prescotts and many related families, land records, law suits, marriage settlements and parish records to show that John, son of Ralph Prescott, never left his home of Longryding in Shevington. It is perhaps unfortunate that this excellent research was not published in a more widely available source.[11]
  Among the observations and conclusions (see articles for detailed evidence):
  1. Weis incorrectly stated the parish records at Standish contained a gap from 1602-1610. The records do exist and no son John was born in the time period.
  2. John was the oldest son of Ralph and Helen Prescott and likely born between 1590 and 1592 when a gap in the records do exist.
  3. John Prescotts’s father Ralph and grandfather Roger both lived at Longryding in Shevington. John Prescott continued to live here and was frequently called in records John Prescott of Longryding until his death in 1661. John’s son Ralph was also of Longryding until his death in 1702.
  4. John Prescott, son of Ralph, did not marry in Yorkshire and move to Massachusetts, he married Margaret Walthew at Wigan on 30 September 1616.
  5. He was the father of Roger Prescott of Hindley and Ralph Prescott of Longryding in Shevington.
  6. John Prescott of Longryding who served as executor of the will of his nephew Ralph Chamberlain in 1653. (son of Edward Chamberlain who married a sister of John Prescott).
  7. John Prescott was buried at Standish on 2 December 1661.
  8. His son Ralph married (settlement 1649) Margaret Rylands. This Ralph was also of Longryding in Shevington when he died 1702.
  Sources
  Footnotes and citations:
  ↑ Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a genealogical memoir of the Prescott families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34.
  ↑ Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com.
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org
  ↑ The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  ↑ TAG vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  ↑ NEHGR vol. 133 (1959): pages 70-71. Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt.
  ↑ English Origins of New England Families, Second Series Vol. II (Baltimore, 1985): pages 937-938, Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt. Ancestry.com Link (Note: reprint of NEHGR vol. 133:70-71).
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link
  ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by Weis show the line as proven. Beginning with the 4th edition, the line is marked unproven.
  ↑ Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott
  ↑ Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington, by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992
  Source list:
  The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of Descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus. AmericanAncestors.org Link
  The American Genealogist vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus.
  Holman, Mary Lovering. Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens and his Wife Frances Helen Miller, vol. 1 (New Hampshire, 1948): pages 54-60.
  Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com.
  Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott
  Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992.
  Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a Genealogical Memoir of the Prescott Families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34. Caution: Original source of error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959). Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). Available at hathitrust.org. Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins.
  Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by
  
  === !Admitted as a Freeman in 1669 Informati ===
  !Admitted as a Freeman in 1669 Information on these families from: A Genealogical dictionary of the 1st settlers of New England by James Savage Early New England People by Sarah E. Titcomb.
  
  === History of the town of Lancaster, Massachusetts : ===
  from the first settlement to the present time, 1643-1879
  Authors: Marvin, Abijah P. (Abijah Perkins) (Main Author)
  Format: Books/Monographs/Book on Film
  This source is unique in that someone wrote in the margins of the book various "corrections" to the original before it was filmed. These notes may be of interest.
  Publication: Salt Lake City, Utah : Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1970
  Volumes 1-2, 1644-1879. Family History Library
  United States & Canada Film 811856 DGS 7729073
  
  === John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass., marri ===
  John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass., married Mary Platts at Wygan,Lancasshire,Halifax Parish, Yorkshire. Their children were: Mary, bap. Sowerby England Feb. 24, 1630. Martha, bap. Sowerby, Eng., March 11, 1632. John Jr. bap. Sowerby, April 1, 1635. Sarah, bap. Sowerby, 1637. Hannah, born in the Barbadoes, 1639. Lydia, born Watertown, Mass, 1643. Joseph, born Watertown, 1645. Jonas, born Lancaster, June 1648. John Prescott, son of Roger, was baptized in Standish 1604, and was the emigrant ancestor. He married on Wednesday, January 21, 1629, Mary Platts at Wygan in Lancasshire. Later on, Mr. Prescot disposed of his Patrimony in Shevington to his kinsman, Richard Prescott, removing to Yorkshire, and resided in the parish of Halifax, at Sowerby, and where several children were born. Owing to the Stuart oppression, he sold his lands, left home and went, first, to the Barbadoes in 1638, owning much property there, but in 1640 came to New England. (There seems to be a little discrepancy in the dates.) He emigrated to New England and with Thomas Sawyer was the founder of Lancaster, Mass. He was a leading and influential man in the new Colony, and a member of the original Puritan stock of New England. He devoted his time to agriculture, and mechanical pursuits. At a very early day, he became a leading spirit, and a prominent and influential man. A man of strict integrity, and great energy and perseverance. He took the oath of Fidelity in 1652, and was admitted a freeman (voter) in 1669. By occupation, he was not only a farmer, but also a blacksmith and a millwright. In 1653 he received a grant of land from the inhabitants of the town, on condition he would build a corn mill (grist mill). He built the mill, for which the town voted him a large tract of land. The mill began grinding May 22, 1654, and then he erected a saw mill. The people of the neighboring towns came to "Prescott's Mills", it being the only one in that part of the colony. The stones for the mill were brought f rom England, and the fragments still lie in the vicinity of the old mill site. On August 23, 1675, during King Phillip's War, eight persons were killed in Lancaster by the Indians. On Feb. 10, 1676, a body of 1500 Indians attacked the town from five directions. There were fifty families in Lancaster at that time, and fifty persons were killed, among whom were Prescott's two sons-in-law, Wheeler and Fairbanks, some of whom were killed at Wheeler's Garrison, and some at Prescott's Garrison. Only two houses were left standing in Lancaster, and so great was the fear, that they did not return to Lancaster for three years. In 1679 some of the first planters, Prescott, Houghton, Sawyer, and Wilder, with their families, returned. Mr. Prescott lived to see the town rebuilt, and died in 1683, but suffered several times subsquently from attacks of hostile Indians. In 1702 Lancaster suffered from an attack in the French and Indian Wars, defying the soldiers and driving them into the garrison, burning the church and six houses, destroying much livestock, and John Prescott's family suffered with the other inhabitants, but their house was saved from the Indians. Mr. Prescott brought with him from England a Coat-of-Mail armor and habiliments complete, such as was worn by warrior of peceding ages, and had himself served under Cromwell. Mr. Precott was a large, athletic man of stern countenance, and when he had any difference with the Indians, he would clothe himself in the Coat-of-Mail, helmet, cuirass, gorget and all, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance. The Indians were terribly afraid of him when so accoutred. The Indians at one time, having stolen a horse, he put on his armor, and pusued and overtook them. They were surprised that he should venture to pursue them alone, and a chief approached him with the uplifted tomahawk. Mr. Prescott told him to strike, which he did, and found the blow made no impresion on the cap; and was greatly astonished, and asked Mr. Presco tt to let him put on the helmet, and asked Mr. Prescott to strike it on his head, as he had done on Mr. Prescott's head. The helmet being too small for the chief, the good hard blow which Mr. Prescott gave it jammed it down over his ears, taking off the skin on both sides of his head, and severing an ear. The Indians then gave up, thinking Mr. Prescott very "bad medcine" and gave him his horse, supposing him to be something more than human. At one time, the Indians set fire to his house. Old John Prescott put on his armor, rushed out, drove them off, and let out his horses and cattle from the burning stable. At another time, the Indians set fire to his sawmill. The old hero armed cap-a- pie as before, drove them off and extinguished the fire. At another time he was attacked by the Indians in his house. He had several muskets, but no one in the house to help him except his wife. She loaded the guns, and he fired them with fatal effect. The contest lasted for nearly an hour, Mr. Prescott all the while giving loud orders as if to soldiers, so loud the Indians could hear, to load their muskets and take good aim. Thinking at last that the house was full of soldiers, they withdrew, carrying off their dead and wounded. On another occasion, several Indians made their appearance at his old mill, and hoisted the flood gate; when he, Prescott, took his "favorite gun" which he brought with him from England and which he had carried in the Cromwellian campaign, loaded it and started toward the mill. The Indians, seeing him coming, retired to the hills near by. Having shut down the gate and fixed the mill, Mr. Prescott, considering it prudent to retire to his house, or garrison, did so backward with his eye on the foe.This old "favorite gun" alluded to above was given by Mr. Prescott to his oldest son John, who gave it to his daughter, Tabitha, who married Aaron Sawyer; and for a second husband, Silas Brigham. She in her old age gave it to her grandson, Prescott Brigham, Brigadier General, who was born in 1770, settled in Shrewsbury and in 1838 removed to Sauk City, Wisconsin, where he died. Before his death, he gave this gun to the Wisconsin Historical Society, whose property it now is. The Society has equipped a room in its museum, called the "Colonial Kitchen", and above the fireplace hangs John Prescott's "favorite gun". It is about six or seven feet long, and so heavy that it had to be used on a tripod. It is still in very good order, and was used in England by John Prescott, who had been impressed into Oliver Cromwell' Army, in the period succeeding the execution of Charles I --II.
  
  === John Prescott's ancestors can be traced ===
  John Prescott's ancestors can be traced back to Charlemagne, in the 9th century.(The Story of Colonial Lancaster by Marion Fuller Stafford) John was the 28th great grandson of Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor. He is supposed to have been a soldier in England, and to have left that country to avoid persecution. He first sailed to Barbados, in 1638, thence to Boston, in 1640. He owned 126 acres of land in Watertown, where he resided, and soon became interested in the Nashaway Company. According to Hon. Henry S. Nourse, Historian of the Nashua Valley, he was a rare type of man, an ideal pioneer. Not one of the famous frontiersmen, whose figures stand out so prominently in early American history, was better equipped with manly qualities that win hero worship in a new country, than the father of the Nashaway Plantation. Had Prescott, like Daniel Boone, been fortunate in the favor of contemporary historians, to perpetuate anecdotes of his daily prowess and fertility of resource, his name and romantic adventures would adorn colonial annals. Persecuted for his opinions, he went out into the wilderness to found a home and for forty years he fought, thought and wrought to make his home the center of a prosperous community. His manual skill and dexterity must have been great; his mental capacity and business energy remarkable; for we find him not only a farmer, trader, blacksmith and hunter, but a surveyor, builder of roads, bridges and mills. Prescott was a Puritan soldier, a seeker of liberty, not license; rebellious against tyranny, but no contender of constituted authority or moral law. In the History of Groton it states; John was a large able-bodied man, who, in Lancaster acquired a good estate and defended it bravely from the incursions of the Indians, to whom he made himself formidable by occasionally appearing before them in a helmet and cuirass, which he had brought with him from England, where he was said to have served under Cromwell. Of him are recorded by Mr. Willi am Prescott, father of the historian, the following traditionary anecdotes, given him by Dr. Oliver Prescott. "He brought over," says Mr. Prescott, "a coat of mail-armor and habiliments, such as were used by field-officers of that time. Whenever he had a difficulty with the Indians, he clothed himself with his coat of armor, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance. On one occasion they stole a horse from him, so he put on his armor and pursued them, and after catching them, one of the chiefs approached him with his tomahawk uplifted. John told him to strike, which he did, and finding the blow made no impression on the cap, he asked to put it on, and then to strike on his head. John did this but the helmet was too small for the Indians head so a blow settled it down over his ears, scraping off the skin on both sides.They gave him his horse and let him go, thinking him a supernatural being. At another time the Indians set fire to his barn. John put on his armor and rushed out upon them. They retreated before him, and he let his horses and cattle out of the burning stable. Another time they set fire to his sawmill and he went out and drove them off. Occupation: Indian Fighter, Farmer, Trader, Blacksmith, Hunter, Surveyor, and Builder of roads, bridges and mills. ! The Prescott Memoir of the Prescott Families, in America, part I, by William Prescott, M.D. printed in 1870. Bangor Public Library. ! N.E.H.G.Register, VI (1852), page 274. ! Parentage of John Prescott, 1959, by Frederick Lewis Weis. He was the founder of Lancaster, MA. The town was attacked nine successive times by Indians from 22 Aug 1675 to 1710. On 10 Feb. 1675/6 it was burned completely to the ground, with many families slain. John raised a family of blacksmiths. He taught all his sons the trade and they all practiced the trade. !European Ancestry of The Prescott Family of America by Doris Cline Ward Nuncupative will proved 20 Dec 1681. !The Birth, Marriage and Death Register, Church Records and Epitaphs of Lancaster, MA. 1643-1850 Edited by Henry S. Nourse, A.M.
  
  === [Carter.FTW] A blacksmith and armourer. ===
  [Carter.FTW] A blacksmith and armourer.
  
  === JOHN PRESCOTT,PIONEER,BLACKSMITH,SOLDIE ===
  JOHN PRESCOTT,PIONEER,BLACKSMITH,SOLDIER,MILLWRIGHT,MILLER,SELECTMAN,FARMER, TRADER,HUNTER,SURVEYOR,BUILDER OF ROADS & BRIDGES,THE FOREMOST CITIZEN & FOUNDER OF LANCASTER,MASSACHUSETTS,1645,WAS BORN ABOUT 1604 IN LANCASHIRE,ENGLAND. taken from:JOHN PRESCOTT of LANCASTER,MASSACHUSETTS 1643-1681 by FREDERICK LEWIS WEIS,TH.D.;DUBLIN,NEW HAMPSHIRE 1961.
  
  === Notes for John Prescott ===
  Of Sowerby, Yorkshire, England
  To Barbadoes 1638. To Boston and Watertown, Mass 1640. To Lancaster 1643.
  Founder of Lancaster, Mass.
  
  Died 1681 aged about 77 years. Memorial stone at Lancaster, Mass.
  
  "His difficulty and loss in crossing Sudbury River told by WINTHROP (II 306).
  Family removed shortly after the doleful day (10 feb 1676)". Lancaster was abandoned for several years.
  
  An item #4364 in the Boston Transcript of before 24 Feb 1926 referring to a Transcript item of 25 April 1904 stating that the pedigree of this John PRESCOTT as given by Mr. SOMERBY in the PRESCOTT Memorial could not be verified and therefore was not accepted for publication in the 6th edition of "Americans of Royal Descent". "No proof was discovered to show that John PRESCOTT of Lancaster, Mass was a son of Ralph PRESCOTT of Shevington Parish of Standish, England, nor that he married at Wigan Parish Church in Lancashire, 21 Jan 1629, Mary PLATTS, but it was found that he really did marry in Halifax Parish, on 11 Apr 1629, Mary GAWKROGER (not Mary PLATTS)".
  
  Other items in ABC indicate that Mary GAWKROGER and Mary PLATTS were the same person and that the last names GAWKROGER and PLATTS were both used by several generations of the family.
  
  SOURCES: ABC 7002, 8008, 15309, 15317, 15324, 15328, 15330, 17031, 17040, 17154, 21006
  
  === !Archive group sheet Eunice E.Nelson, Ch ===
  !Archive group sheet Eunice E.Nelson, Chester, Utah Ancestry of John Barber White, by Almira Larkin White p 127,128 Watertown Records Including Vital Rec Vol 1 p 9 birth #6 His of The Town of Lancaster, Mass, by Marvin p 59 mar #6, p 62 hus mar, children births, mar Gen Memoir of the Prescott Fam In America, By William Prescott, pp 41,42 N.E.Gen & Hist Reg Vol 7 p 281 Birth #6; Vol 16 Mar #4,5,6 His of Concord, Mass, by Lemuel Shattuck pp 381,382 The Ancestry & Desc of The Whitcombs, comp by Peggy Miller Singer pp 121-124 Bibliography: The Military Annals of Lancaster, Mass., by Henry S. N The Early Records of Lancaster, Mass., by Henry S. Nourse The Prescott Memorial, by William Prescott John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. 1643-1681, by Frederick L. Weis Mary Gawkroger, Wife of John Prescott, by Clarence A. Torrey The American Genealogist, Vol. 37, No. 4. Oct. 1964 p 148 The Records of Watertown Remingtons of Utah, by Ward J. Roylance, pp 114-115 Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists Who Came to America Before 1700, Seventh Edition, by Frederick Lewis Weis Line 34, page 39 "The Identification of John PRESCOTT, founder of Lancaster, Mass. with the son, John, of Ralph of Shevington is still challenged. While evidence is not conclusive, the alternatives are not conclusive either. This line requires further work." Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, by Frederick Lewis Weis IGI Mar date 11 Mar 1629 and 11 Apr 1629 at Halifax,Yorks,Eng IGI Bap 8 Apr 1879 SG, 30 May 1992 AL, 16 Feb 1991 SL, 21 Dec 1936 19 Jul 1991 AL, 1 Jun 1989 JR, 10 Sep 1991 PV, 12 Jun 1992 AT 17 Aug 1976 LG, 21 Dec 1936 LG, 15 May 1992 AZ, 10 Sep 1991 PV 31 Dec 1878 SL End 20 Aug 1992 AL, 22 Feb 1991 SL, 23 Feb 1937 LG, 15 Sep 1976 LG 3 Jun 1982 AZ, 17 Sep 1991 PV, 23 Aug 1991 AL, 6 Jul 1989 JR 24 Jun 1993 AT SP 7 Jul 1992 SE, 28 May 1991 PV, 22 Sep 1976 LG, 9 Mar 1989 SE 19 Sep 1991 PV Mar date 11 Apr or 21 Jan 1628/1629 AF SS 3 Nov 1938 LG 19 Sep 1991 PV, 8 May 1970, 20 Aug 1993 AT, 6 May 1970 28 Nov 1951 AZ SS 28 Mar 1989 SE, 20 Nov 1990 SG, 28 Nov 1951 AZ, 25 May 1977 OK 11 Mar 1992 AT, 19 Feb 1991 SL, 27 Feb 1992 JR, 10 Oct 1991 JR 10 Aug 1982 AZ, 3 Mar 1933 SL, 30 Aug 1940 SG, 20 Feb 1991 SL 14 Jan 1935 SL, 31 May 1945 SL, 10 Jun 1992 SG, 19 Sep 1992 SE 23 Jan 1976 WA, 25 Oct 1990 PV, 3 Nov 1938 LG, 3 Nov 1938 LG 8 Dec 1939 LG IGI Two infants buried in Sowerby male child born about 1650 Bap 8 Aug 1992 JR; End 28 Nov 1992 JR SP 12 Dec 1992 JR male child born about 1650 SP 9 Dec 1992 BO
  
  === Source: Weis, Sheppard, Beal, The Magna ===
  Source: Weis, Sheppard, Beal, The Magna Charta Sureties, 1215, 5th Ed., Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, [1999], 116-15 p. 153; Frederick Lewis Weis, Ancestral Roots, Seventh Edition, [Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1992], [34-43], p. 39. Founder of Lancaster, Mass. A blacksmith and armourer.
  
  === Research results ===
  !17 Apr 1991Virginia P Bills, 4837 Cameron Ranch Dr Sac, CA 95841
  "JOHN PRESCOTT of Lancaster, Ma," by Frederick L Weis, pg 7, 8, 21, 30,
  31, 45, 49 Computerized Genealogical Index; IGI N 0322
  "John Prescott of Lancaster, Ma" pg 12, 13, 16, 17, 21, 26 & 27, by
  Frederick L Weis: Lancashire Pleadings Vol 40 p 51, 52: The Visitation of
  Berkshire, 1566: Standish Vital Records
  "The Descent of JOHN PRESCOTT from "Alfred the Great" pg 3, 4, 7, 13 by
  Frederick L Weis - CGI
  "Gawkroger-Platts" by Clarence A Torrey, pp 4, 5; Lancashire Pleadings V
  40 p51, 52; The Visitation of Berkshire, 1566
  Halifax Parish Registers CD ROM IGI, B3B 19 V I; Standish Vital Records
  JOHN PRESCOTT was founder of Lancaster, MA; JOHN & MARY GAWKROGER
  md at Halifax Parish; His father, Ralph Prescott, bap 16 Jun 1569
  Ch 5 John Jr, bap 1 Apr 1635; Ch 9 Jonathan, a Captain & Physician
  Eunice E Nelson of Chester, Ut gives name of 3rd wife of ch #9 as
  Rebecca Wheeler & the name of ch #8 2nd husb as Elias Barrow
  Mrgs: Ch 5 (2) Mary Haynes Howe; Ch 6 (2) 27 Feb 1677/78 Dedham,
  Joseph Rice; Ch 8 (2) before 1713, Elias Barron; Ch 9 (2) 23 Dec 1675,
  Elizabeth Hoar, (3) Mrs Peter Bulkeley, (4) 18 Aug 1718, Ruth Brown
  Following from "Royal Ancestors of some LDS Families" by Michel Call,
  Series E, received from Virginia P Bills May 1991:
  JOHN PRESCOTT (1604-05) & MARY PLATTS (Mass)
  1. John Prescott (chr 1604-05; md Mary Platts)
  2. Ralph Prescott (chr 1571-72; md Ellen)
  3. Roger Prescott (b abt 1543; md (2) Ellen Shaw)
  4. Elizabeth or Alice Standish (b abt 1523; md James Prescott)
  5. Roger Standish (b abt 1503)
  6. Ralph Standish (b abt 1479; md Alice Harrington)
  7. Alexander Standish (b 1452; md Sibella Bold)
  8. Ralph Standish (b abt 1424; md Margaret Radcliffe)
  9. Constance Gerard (b 1402; md Alexander Standish)
  10. Alice Boteler (b abt 1375; md John Gerard)
  11. Alice Plumpton (b abt 1335; md (2) John Boteler)
  12. William Plumpton (b abt 1297; md (2) Christiana Mowbray)
  13. Lucia de Roos or Ros (b abt 1270; md Robert de Plumpton)
  14. Sir William de Ros (b abt 1244; md Eustache Fitz Hugh)
  15. Sir William de Ros (b abt 1192; md Lucy Fitz Piers)
  16. Isabel of Scotland (b abt 1165; md 92) Robert de Ros)
  17. William I, King of Scotland (b abt 1143; md Miss Avenel)
  Henry, Prince of Scotland md Ada de Warren
  (#10, cht 317) (#11, cht 317)
  Source: Ancestral Roots Lines 34 and 170. See also Magna Charta Line
  116; Blood Royal 1, pp 127, 291, 307, 372, 381, 459, 520, 524, 568. Note:
  This line is probably correct, but the proof linking John Prescott (1604-05)
  to Ralph Prescott (1571-72) is still not absolutely conclusive
  at this point, although exhaustive studies have been made on the problem
  19 Apr 1993, Additional Info Mesa Fam Hist Lib Ancestral File
  John (2) SP 25 May 1977 OK; Mary (2) Bap 1 Feb 1973 MT; End 24 Mar
  1973 MT; John & Mary 2nd mrg 24 Jun 1629 Wigan, Lancaster, MA; Ch 1
  Mary (2) SP 28 Jan 1982 PV; #3 Martha SP 25 May 1977 OK; Ch 6 Sarah
  (2) md Joseph Rice 22 Dec 1677 Dedham, MA; no SS; Ch 8 Lydia (2) SP 11
  Mar 1976 WA; Ch 11 Jonas (2) SP 1 Jun 1959 AZ
  Ances File Comp lists Infant Prescott b 1640 Halifax Par, Yorkshire & ch
  Prescott b abt 1650 Sowerby, Yorkshire, no ord dates; Unlikely they
  belong to this family; were b Eng; Prescott's living in MA these dates
  30 Mar 1995, Janice Pack Beatty, Mesa FHL FamilySearch, some ord
  
  Founder of Lancaster Massachusetts, 1645.
  
  According to William Prescott in the Prescott Memorial, John Prescott sold his olands in Shevington, parish of Standish, in Lancashire to Richard Prescott of Wigan, and removed into Yorkshire. There should be a way to check this. Also, he was in Barbados for two years and owned land there.
  
  From Janice Beatty:
  John Prescott of Lancaster, Ma, by Frederick L Weis
  The Descent of John Prescott from Alfred the Great" by Frederick L Weis - CGI
  Gawkroger-Platts by Clarence A Torrey
  Lancashire Pleadings Vol 40 pg 51, 52
  The Visitation of Berkshire, 1566
  Halifax Parish Registers CD ROM IGI, B3B 19 V I
  Standish Vital Records
  
  Ancestral Roots Lines 34 and 170. See also Magna Charta Line 116; Blood Royal 1, pp 127, 291, 307, 372, 381, 459, 520, 524, 568.
  
  Note: This line is probably correct, but the proof linking John Prescott (b. 1604-05) to Ralph Prescott (b. 1571-72) is still not absolutely conclusive at this point, although exhaustive studies have been made on the problem.
  
  Check:
  European Ancestry of the Prescott Family of America compiled by Doris Cline Ward
  
  === founder of Lancaster, Mass. 1645 Blacksm ===
  founder of Lancaster, Mass. 1645 Blacksmith.
  
  === On John Prescotts tombstone is inscribed ===
  On John Prescotts tombstone is inscribed; Here with his children about him lies John Prescott, founder of Lancaster and first settler of Worcester County, born at Standish, Lancashire, England, died at Lancaster Massachusetts Dec 1681. Inspired by the love of Libert yand the fear of God this stout hearted pioneer forsaking the pleasant vales of England took up his abode in the unbroken forest and encounted wild beast an dsavage. To secure freedom for himself and his posterity his faith and virtue shave been inherited by many descendants who in every generation have well served the state in war, in literature, at the bar, in the pulpit, in public life, and in christian homes. Two plaques were mounted in 1900 by the town of Clinton reads a sfollow; NEAR THIS SPOT STOOD THE HOUSE BUILT BY JOHN PRESCOTT IN 1654 BU RNEDBY THE INDIANS IN 1676. The Tablet on Otterson Place, Clinton. THIS TABLET MARKS THE SITE OF THE FIRST GRIST MILL IN WORCESTE RCOUNTY, BUILT BY JOHN PRESCOTT IN 1654. The tablet is upon Mill in Water Street, Clinton.
  
  === SOURCE: Genealogy of the Ancestors and D ===
  SOURCE: Genealogy of the Ancestors and Descendants of John White of Wenham and Lancaster, Massachusetts. 1574-1909; By Almira larkin White of Haverhill, Mass.; Volume IV; Press of the Nichols Print 1909, Haverhill, Mass.;University Microfilms Inc.; Ann Arbor, MIchigan 48106; Microfiche G-683 Aka: John Prescott, founder of Mass. (p. 107) Marriage: Mary Gawkroger; April 11, 1629 (p. 107) Residence: Lived for a time in Sowerby, where five of their children were born, three of whom were brought to New England, two buried in Sowerby. In 1638, they were living int the Island of Barbadoes, owning more than ten acres of land. In 1640, in Watertown, where he had large grants of land.
  
  === Died possessed of 700 acres of land and ===
  Died possessed of 700 acres of land and he had given land and a mill to his son, Jonas. He had 300 acres at Wshacum Ponds.
  
  === John Prescott’s Ancestry ===
  So although John’s father might not be Ralph after all (wiki tree profile study shows a different John Prescott of Longryding was actually Ralph’s son who never left England), we know that John of Lancaster, Mass came from Lancashire, England, where the Prescotts originated (they almost named the town Prescott after John, but settled for Lancaster instead). Also, after reading just about everything there is to read about John, he acted just like what I believe was his great-grandfather, Sir James Prescott (1510-1583), of Lancashire, England. James was a Knight and was in charge of keeping the Queen’s horsemen and armor in readiness. John went out after Indians in his armor into the wilderness (of course owned horses too). Bravery like theirs simply ran in their family. Also, John’s second cousin, once removed, was James Prescott (1643-1728) who immigrated to New Hampshire in 1665. (John and James had four sons whose names began with a J and both had children named John, Jonathon, and Mary). This James was the great-great grandson of the aforementioned Knight, James Prescott (1510-1583). John Prescott of Lancaster was the great-grandson of Knight, James Prescott. So, regardless of Ralph Prescott of Shevington being John’s father or not, John of Lancaster still has Eight Lines of Descent from Alfred the Great through his Sir James Prescott’s (1510-1583) wife Alice Standish (1510-1564). Sometimes original records are lost forever, but thorough study of John Prescott, his family and cousins, the Prescotts of Lancaster, and their behavior/movements in history is evidence in itself.
  
  === John Prescott, B. Abt., 1604, Standish P ===
  John Prescott, B. Abt., 1604, Standish Parish, Co. Lancashire, England; D. 12 //1681, age 77, aft. resettlement of town aft. massacre, 2/10/1676, bu. Old Settlers Burying Ground, Lancaster, Mass; M. 4/11/1629, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England, Mary Gawkroger or Platts, d. 1674, Lancaster, bu. OLD Settlers Burying Ground; 1638, living in the Island of Barabadose, cowning more than 10 acres of land; 1640, came to New England, settl. for a time in Watertown, Mass., where he had large land grant; 1643, he associated himself with Thomas King and others, for the purpose of purchasing of Sholan, the Indian Sachem of the Nashaway tribe of Indians, a tract of land for a township, which was to be ten miles long and eight miles wide, known as the "Nashaway plantation," afterwards, Lancaster, Mass., he was one of the original settlers and considered the founder; the town received its name 5/18/1653, the name being given in homor of Mr Prescott, it being the mame of his native county in England. He was a large land owner and was generous with it; freeman, prudential manager; had a sawmill and was blacksmith; subscribed to Law and Order
  
  === !Watertown 1637.Lancaster 1644.Blacksmit ===
  !Watertown 1637.Lancaster 1644.Blacksmith.
  
  === [My Family Tree.FBK.FTW] [timothy_paris ===
  [My Family Tree.FBK.FTW] [timothy_parish.ged] According to well-documented research in the "Ancestors of R. W. Roy" website, compiled by Robert A. Roy of Herndon, Virginia (17 September 2001): "He was a blacksmith. He was mentioned in the will of Ralph Prescott on 7 November 1608 in Shevington, Standish Parish, Lancashire, England. He moved in 1629 to Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England. He and Mary Platts immigrated circa 1638 to Barbadoes. He and Mary Platts immigrated in 1640 to Boston, Massachusetts; and settled in Watertown. He was probably a Cromwellian soldier and brought to the new world with him a helmet and coat of chain mail. Caleb Butler, in his 'History of Groton' gives this story: "John was a sturdy, strong man of stern countenance, and whenever he had any difficulty with the Indians, he would clothe himself with his coat of mail, helmet, cuirass, and gorget, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance. They having once stolen from him a horse, he put on his armour and pursued them; and in a short time overtook the party. They were surprised to see him alone, and a chief approached him with uplifted tomahawk. John told him to strike, which he did, and finding the blow made no impression on his cap, he was much astonished, and asked John to let him put it on, and then strike on his head, as he had done on John's. The helmet being too small for the chief's head, the stroke settled it down to his ears, scraping off the skin of both sides of his head. They gave him up his horse, thinking him to be a supernatural being.". He and Mary Platts moved circa 1643 to The Nashaway Purchase, now Lancaster, Massachusetts, thus becoming the first settler of Lancaster and the first settler in Worcester County. In 1652, he agreed with the town of Lancaster to build a grist mill. It was completed and ground its first grain on 23 March 1653/54. He took the Oath of Fidelity in 1652. In 1657, he built a saw mill above his grist mill. In 1667, he contracted wit h the town of Groton to build them a grist mill in exchange for 520 acres of land. He did so on a site,now in the bounds of Harvard. He placed his son, Jonas in charge, and later deeded the lands and mill to him. He served on 3 February 1667 as Selectman of Lancaster. He became a freeman on 19 May 1669. He moved in 1676 to Concord, Massachusetts, after Lancaster's distruction. He returned in 1679 to Lancaster, Massachusetts. At the 250th anniversary of the founding of Lancaster, a memorial stone was erected at his grave site. It reads as follows: "HERE WITH HIS CHILDREN ABOUT HIM LIES JOHN PRESCOTT FOUNDER OF LANCASTER AND FIRST SETTLER OF WORCESTER COUNTY BORN AT STANDISH LANCASHIRE ENGLAND DIED AT LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS DEC 1681 INSPIRED BY THE LOVE OF LIBERTY AND THE FEAR OF GOD THIS STOUT HEARTED PIONEER FORSAKING THE PLEASANT VALES OF ENGLAND AND ENCOUNTERED WILD BEAST AND SAVAGE TO SECURE FREEDOM FOR HIMSELF AND HIS POSTERITY HIS FAITH AND VIRTUES HAVE BEEN INHERITED BY MANY DESCENDANTS WHO IN EVERY GENERATION HAVE WELL SERVED THE STATE IN WAR, IN LITERATURE, AT THE BAR, IN THE PULPIT, IN PUBLIC LIFE, AND IN CHRISTIAN HOMES." Children of John Prescott and Mary Platts are: i. Mary Prescott964, born Abt. 1630 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England964,965; died Abt. April 1716 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts965; married Thomas Sawyer 02 July 1648 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts966,967. More About Mary Prescott: Christening: 24 February 1629/30, Yorkshire, England968,969 More About Thomas Sawyer: Christening: 24 March 1629/30, Lincolnshire, England969 ii. ? Prescott969, born 07 March 1630/31 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England969; died 07 March 1630/31 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England969. iii. Martha Prescott970, born Abt. March 1631/32 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England970; died 24 January 1655/56 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts970,971; married John Rugg 04 November 1654 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts972,973. Notes for Martha Prescott: Died at the age of 23 years, 10 months, and 13 days. Her death was recorded as 24 (11) 1655. She died due to complications of childbirth of two twins, both of which also died at birth. More About Martha Prescott: Baptism: 11 March 1631/32, England974 iv. ? Prescott975, born 1633 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England975; died 03 January 1633/34 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England975. v. John Prescott976, born Abt. March 1634/35 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England976; died Aft. 1718977; married (1) Sarah Hayward 11 November 1668 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts978; married (2) Mary Haynes 15 November 1710 in Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts978,979. Notes for John Prescott: John Prescott was an "agriculturist and blacksmith." More About John Prescott: Baptism: 01 April 1635, England980 Notes for Mary Haynes: The widow Mary Howe. vi. Sarah Prescott980, born Abt. April 1637 in Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England980; died 25 August 1714 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts981; married (1) Richard Wheeler 02 August 1658 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts982; married (2) Joseph Rice 22 December 1677 in Dedham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts982. More About Sarah Prescott: Baptism: 16 April 1637, Sowerby, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England983 Notes for Richard Wheeler: Killed by Indians with Jonas Fairbanks and son Joshua. According to well-documented research in the "Ancestors of R. W. Roy" website, compiled by Robert A. Roy of Herndon, Virginia (17 September 2001): He died on Saturday 9 February 1675/76 in Lancaster, Massachusetts, at age 65 years killed by Indians who had climbed on top of a barn and shot down over the palisades. He emigrated in August 1635 from London, England, on board the Thomas, Henry Tavener, Master, bound for "Virginia". He and 57 others were examined for matters touching their conformity i n our religion by a minister at Gravesend before embarkment. He was a proprietor in 1644 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was granted land on 1 January 1646/47 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was a proprietor in 1651 in Medfield, Massachusetts, While one of the original proprietors, it is doubtful he ever lived there. He was granted land on 26 February 1651/52 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He served on 17 May 1652 as one of three Commissioners to lay out the road between Dedham and Braintree. He served in 1659 in Dedham, Massachusetts, as a Fence Viewer. He served on 22 June 1660 in Dedham, Massachusetts, as a member of a committee to "to view the Lande both vpland & meadow near about the pondes by Georges Indians wigwam and make report of what they find to the selectman in the first opportunity they can take." He was granted land on 5 July 1660 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He moved between 1661 and 1663 to Lancaster, Massachusetts. He was granted land on 2 February 1668/69 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. He became a freeman on 19 May 1669 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Richard's estate was inventoried on 21 August 1676. vii. Hannah Prescott984, born Abt. April 1639 in Island of Barbados, Carribean Sea984,985; died 11 September 1697 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts986; married John Rugg 04 May 1660 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts986,987. Notes for Hannah Prescott: Died at the age of 58 years, 4 months, and 26 days, killed by Indians. More About Hannah Prescott: Baptism: 16 April 1639, Island of Barbados, Carribean Sea987 viii. Lydia Prescott988, born 15 August 1641 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts988; died 1712989; married (1) Elias Barron; married (2) Jonas Fairbanks 28 May 1658 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts990. Notes for Jonas Fairbanks: Killed by Indians. ix. Jonathan Prescott990, born Bet. 1643 - 1646 in (probably) Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts990; died 05 December 1721 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massach usetts990; married (1) Dorothy Hoar 03 August 1670990; married (2) Elizabeth Hoar 23 December 1675 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts990. x. Joseph Prescott991, born 1645 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts991; died 31 December 1732991; married Mary in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts991. 1314 xi. Jonas Prescott, born 30 June 1648 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts; died 31 December 1723 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; married (1) Mary Riddlesdale Loker 14 December 1672 in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts; married (2) Mary Page 30 April 1718. John Prescott "is an ancient Planter & hath bin a Vsefull helpfull & publique spirted man doinge many good offices ffor the Country relatinge to the Road to Conecticott, marking trees, directinge of Passengers &c . . . " Records of the General Court of Massachusetts, 29 May 1672. "Prescott is the most distinguished name in the annals of Groton, and the families bearing it have been numerous." Hon. S. A. Green, Groton Epitaphs, 1878, page 249. John Prescott, pioneer, blacksmith, soldier, millwright, miller, selectman, farmer, trader, hunter, surveyor, builder of roads and bridges, the foremost citizen and Founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, was born about 1604 in Lancashire, England. His bold signature heads the list of fifty-five signers of the Town and Church Covenant which brought about the organization of the town and establishment of the First Church of Christ in Lancaster, now in its 308th year. Source: John Prescott of Lancaster, fMA 1643-1681 by Frederick Lewis Weis, TH.D. 1961.
  
  === Christened at Standish Parish.Christened ===
  Christened at Standish Parish.Christened at Standish Parish.
  
  === !Source: The Descendants of Willoughby P ===
  !Source: The Descendants of Willoughby Prescott FHL book # 929.273/P925p "The Prescott Memorial States:"John Prescott is named in his father's will. He married 21 January 1629 Mary platts, at Wygan in Lancashire. Her family appears to have been subsequently of the parish of Halifax in Yorkshire, some of whom are mentioned in the will of George Fairbanks of Sowerby, dated in 1650. Mr. Prescott sold his lands in Shevington, parish of Standish, in Lancashire, to Richard Prescott of Wigan, and removed into Yorkshire, residing for some time in Sowerby, in the parish of Halifax, where several of his children were born. From conscientious motives, and to avoid persecution, he left his native land, his cherished home in Yorkshire to seek an asylum in the wilderness of America. He first landed at Barbadoes in 1638, where he became an owner of lands. In 1640 he came to New England, landed at Boston, and immediately settled in Watertown, where he had large grants of land allotted to him. But in 1643 he associated himself with Thomas King and others, for the purpose of purchasing of Sholan, the Indian Sachem of the Nashaway Tribe of Indians, a tract of land for a township, which tract was to be 10 miles in length and 8 in breadth. "According to Mr. Willard, in his address at the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Lancaster, the purchasers entered into an agreement to appear and begin the plantation at a specified time. The deed was sanctioned by the General Court, but there were many circumstances which combined to retard the growth of the plantation. All the associates except Mr. Prescott refused or neglected to fulfill their contracts, though choosing to retain their interest in the property purchased.It was stated by Mr. Willard that "one only of the associates, John Prescott the stalwart blacksmith, was 'faithful among the faithless.' He turned not back, but vigorously pursued the interests of the plantation till his exertions were crowned with success." "Mr.Prescott , had in his possession, and which he brought with him from England, a coat of mail, armor and habiliments complete, such as were worn by warriors of that and preceding ages;...'Mr. prescott, being a strong athletic man and of stern countenance, whenever he had any difficulty with the Indians, would clothe himself with his coat of mail, helmet, cuirass, and gorget, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance." SOURCE: Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists Weis 7th Edition. Founder of Lancaster, Mass., 1645. b. ca. 1604; made his own will, 1673, pro. 4 Apr. 1682, d. Lancaster, Mass., Dec 1681.
  
  === He was a blacksmith by trade. John Presc ===
  He was a blacksmith by trade. John Prescott Sr resided at Lancashire and Yorkshire, England; came to Barbadose, West Indies in 1638 and then to Boston, MA in 1640. The Prescott memorial shows John marrying 21 January 1620 to Mary Platts at Wygan in Lancashire. References: Excerpts from "The Prescott Memorial" in our file plus letter from Vivain Boerger dated Aug 31, 1989.
  
  === John, moved in 1629 to Sowerby, Halifax ===
  John, moved in 1629 to Sowerby, Halifax, Yorkshire from Lancashire. in 1638 he moved with his family to Barbadoes. Then in 1640 he once again moved with his family this time to far off Boston, New England. He settled in Watertown, in the New World. John, was probably a Cromwellian soldier. He brought to the new world with him a helmet and coat of chain mail. ( From: Caleb Butler, 'History of Groton') John was a sturdy, strong man of stern countenance, and whenever he had any difficulty with the Indians, he would clothe himself with his coat of mail, helmet, cuirass, and gorget, which gave him a fierce and frightful appearance. They having once stolen his horse, he put on his armour and pursued them; and in a short time overtook the party. They were surprised to see him alone, and a chief approached him with uplifted tomahawk. John told him to strike, which he did, and finding the blow made no impression on his cap, he was much astonished, and asked John to let him put it on, and then strike on his head, as he had done on John's. The helmet being too small for the chief's head, the stroke settled it down to his ears, scraping off the skin of both sides of his head. They gave him up his horse, thinking him to be a supernatural being. In 1643 John and family removed from Watertown to the Nashway Purchase (Lancaster) Thus becoming the first settlers of Lancaster, and the first settlers of Worcester county. He took the Oath od Fidelity in 1652. He agreed with the town of Lancaster to build a grist mill. It was completed and ground its first grain on 23 March 1653/54. In 1657, he built a saw mill above his grist mill. In 1667, he contracted with the town of Groton to build them a grist mill in exchange for 520 acres of land. He did so on a site, now in the bounds of Harvard. He placed his son, Jonas in charge, and later deeded the lands and mill to him. John, moved in 1679 to Concord, after the destruction of Lancaster. He returned in 1679 to Lancaster. At the 250 th. an niversary of the founding of Lancaster, a memorial stone was erected at his grave site. ( MEMORIAL) HERE WITH HIS CHILDREN JOHN PRESCOTT FOUNDER OF LANCASTER AND FIRST SETTLER OF WORCESTER COUNTY BORN AT STANDISH LANCASHIRE ENGLAND DIED AT LANCASTER MASSACHUSETTS DEC 1681 INSPIRED BY THE LOVE OF LIBERTY AND THE FEAR OF GOD THIS STOUT HEARTED PIONEER FORSAKING THE PLEASANT VALES OF ENGLAND AND ENCOUNTERED WILD BEAST AND SAVAGE TO SECURE FREEDOM FOR HIMSELF AND HIS POSTERITY HIS FAITH AND VIRTUES HAVE BEEN INHERITED BY MANY DESCENDANTS WHO EVERY GENERATION HAVE WELL SERVED THE STATE IN WAR, IN LITERATURE, AT THE BAR, IN THE PULPIT, IN PUBLIC LIFE, AND IN CHRISTAIN HOMES.
  
  === John Prescott emigrant to Mass was ances ===
  John Prescott emigrant to Mass was ancestor to American President George Herbert Walker Bush & was ancestor to Dr Samuel prescott who finnished Paul Reveres Ride Henry Wadsworth Longfellow the poet ignored the fact that Paul Revere was arrested by the british befor he had gone 1 mile it was Dr Samuel Prescott that did the Famous "Ride"
  
  === !RESIDENCE: GENEALOGIES OF THE FAMILIES ===
  !RESIDENCE: GENEALOGIES OF THE FAMILIES AND DESCENDANTS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS;; by Henry Bond, M.D., pub by the N. E. Historical-Genealogical Society, Boston MA, 1860;p 407; Mesa Family History Center, Mesa AZ, 974.44/D26/1860; NOTE: "PRESCOTT.--JOHN PRESCOTT, Proprietor, 1642; by his wife MARY, had Lydia, b. in Wat. Aug 15, 1641. He was one of those first settlers of Lancaster, who went from Watertown. [See Farmer, Shattuck, and Butler.]"
  
  === !James Prescott, of Driby, gent., younge ===
  !James Prescott, of Driby, gent., younger brother of Sir William Prescott, Knt.; mentioned in the will of his grandmother, 1609; m. Mary Copland, dau. of John Copland of Ross, co. Herts. He had a son James bp. at Driby in 1643.
  
  === !FGS based on B3 B19 Vol 1 Hartford Time ===
  !FGS based on B3 B19 Vol 1 Hartford Times 16 Apr 1949 and "ColonialFamilies of the United States".
  
  === NOTE: of Watertown 1640 and Lancaster 1 ===
  NOTE: of Watertown 1640 and Lancaster 1646 (Robert Hale, p. 229)
  
  === !INFORMATION FOUND: B3B19 VOL. I; JOHN ===
  !INFORMATION FOUND: B3B19 VOL. I; JOHN PRESCOTT MOVED FROM ENGLAND TO THE BARBADOS IN 1638; THENCE TO WATERTOWN, MASS. IN 1640. WITH OTHERS BOUGHT A LARGE TRACT OF LAND FROM THE INDIANS AND BECAME A FOUNDER OF LANCASTER, MASS., IN 1645 OR 1646. TOOK OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, IN 1652; ADMITTED FREEMEN, IN 1669. HE WAS A BLACKSMITH AND MILLER.
  
  === Founder of Lancaster, MA, 1645
  Will Writ ===
  Founder of Lancaster, MA, 1645
  Will Written 1673
  Will Proven April 4, 1682
  
  "Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists Who Came to America before1700; 7th Edition"
  According to this very reliable source, the ancestry of John Prescott hasNOT been entirely proven. As shown in this source: "The identification ofJohn Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with the son, John, of Ralph ofShevington is still challenged...While evidence is not conclusive, thealternatives are not conclusive either. This line requires further work."
  
  Early Records of Lancaster, MA and Prescott Memorial:
  John Prescott was a man of strict integrity and great energy andperseverance. He took an active part in all measures calculated toimproved and enhance the interest and prosperity of Lancaster. He tookthe oath of fidelity in 1652 and admitted freeman in 1669. By occupationhe was an agriculturist, blacksmith and millwright. In Nov. 1653 hereceived a grant of land on condition he build a corn mill. He built themill in season to commence grinding on the 23d of May 1654. The erectionof a saw mill soon followed. The town voted that if he would erect one heshould have the grant of certain privileges and a large tract of landlying near his mill for him and his posterity forever and to be moreexactly recorded when exactly known. In consideration of theseprovisions, Goodman Prescott forthwith erected his mill. Its location wason the spot where Lancaster Mfg. Co. have extensive works. The peoplefrom neighboring towns came to Prescott's gristmill. The stone of thismill was brought from England and now lies in fragments in the vicinityof the factory.
  Lancaster, in common with other frontier towns suffered greatly by Indiandepredations whenever there was a war between the mother county andFrance. On the 22nd of August, 1675 eight persons were killed atLancaster. On the 10th of Feb., old style, 1676, early in the morning abody of fifteen hundred Indians attacked the town in five distinctsquadrons, completely investing it. There were at that time more thanfifty families in town. Of this little band, fifty persons, if not more,were killed or taken prisoners. Among them were Richard Wheeler(,) JonasFairbanks, sons-in-law of John Prescott, and Joshua Fairbanks and EphraimSawyer, his grandsons. The three former were killed at Wheeler's garrisonand the latter at Prescott's which stood about thirty rods southeast ofMessrs Poignard and Plant's factory. The inhabitants (after thedestruction of all but two houses) left the place under the protection ofCapt. Wadsworth's company of soldiers. The alarm of the people was sogreat that the return of peace on the death of the Indian, King Philip,August, 1676, did not restore courage and confidence. For more than threeyears, Lancaster remained uninhabited. In 1679 some of the first planters(among them were the Prescotts, Houghtons, Sawyers and Wilders) returnedand the Carters came in soon after.
  John Prescott lived to see the town rebuilt and in a fair way to aprosperous condition. He died in 1683.
  
  "Soldiers of King Philip's War, 1675" by George M. Bodge, Boston, 1906lists a John Prescott enlisted on September 23, 1676. It's unknown ifthis is the same John Prescott.
  
  Source Sam Stevens:
  Blacksmith. John was a blacksmith and one of the founders of Lancaster.Arrived 1640 in Boston.
  
  See Additional Notes for Cyprian Stevens (born c. 1649-50)
  
  Early Records of Lancaster, MA and Prescott Memorial shows that John diedin 1683. "Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists Who Came toAmerica before 1700; 7th Edition" and researchers Pam Emerson andGertrude Clapsattle show that John died in December 1681. Mrs. JustinHowland and "Lancaster in Philip's War" does not show a date of death.

• Notes:

  More likely Sowerby where his children were born.

• m. 11 APR 1629 in Yorkshire, England
• m. 21 JAN 1628 in Lancaster, England

1. Jonas Prescott, b. JUN 1648 in Lancaster, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America     d. 31 DEC 1723 in Groton, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America

1. Title: Book: The Prescott Memorial
   Author: William Prescott, The Prescott Memorial: Or a Genealogical Memoir of the Prescott Families in America (Boston: Henry W. Dutton & Son, 1870), 34, 41.
   Publication: Name: https://archive.org/stream/prescottmemorial00pres#page/n55/mode/2up;
   
2. Title: Web: Massachusetts, Find A Grave Index, 1620-2011
   Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/70582/records/619124;
   
3. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott and Rebecca Bulkley, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
   Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DTRF : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott and Rebecca Bulkley, 18 Dec 1678; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
   Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DTRF;
   
4. Title: Book: Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens and his wife Frances Helen Miller
   Author: Mary Lovering Holman, Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens and his wife Frances Helen Miller (Concord, New Hampshire: The Rumford Press, 1948), 54-61.
   Publication: Name: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?num=54&u=1&seq=86&view=image&size=100&id=wu.89067408831;
   
5. Title: Burial
   Author: Find a Grave
   Publication: Name: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6238510/john-prescott;
   Note: John Prescott Sr. BIRTH 1605 England DEATH Dec 1681 (aged 75–76) Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA BURIAL Old Settlers Burial Yard Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA MEMORIAL ID 6238510 · View Source John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA. John Prescott, Sr. was born about 1605 in England and died in Lancaster, MA in 1683. He married Mary Gawkroger (alias Platt) (1607-1718) on April 11, 1629 in Sowerby, Yorkshire, England. The first 5 of their children were born in England except for the fifth child Hannah who was probably born in Barbados, West Indies in 1639. Their children included: Mary (Thomas Sawyer), Martha (John Rugg), John, Jr. (Sarah), Sarah (1 Richard Wheeler, 2 Joseph Rice), Hannah (John Rugg widower of Martha), Lydia (1 Jonas Fairbanks, 2 Elias Barron, Jr.), Capt. Jonathan (1 Dorothy Heald, 2 Elizabeth Hoar, 3 Rebecca Wheeler, 4 Ruth Brown), Joseph (probable that there was no son Joseph and that his existence at all is due to a clerks error in an early history of Concord, MA), Capt. Jonas, Sr. (Mary Loker). John and Mary were in Watertown, MA in 1640 and moved from there to the Nashaway Plantation in 1643 which was later to become Lancaster. Jonas was born here before Lancaster was incorporated so his birth was registered in Groton. There may have been two other children who died in infancy in England. Mary's alias "Platts" appears to come from English lands by that name that passed down through the Gawkroger family. The main source of this information is William Prescott's 1870 "Prescott Memorial." Bio Submitted by: Bob Speckman Salem, OR August 2008 ∼ Famous Descendants are President George HW Bush, President George W Bush, Senator Prescott Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Poet Robert Frost, Katherine Hepburn, and Samuel Prescott (Completed Paul Revere's Midnight Ride). His descendants are eligible to join the following lineage societies: The Order Americans of Armorial Ancestry The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America Presidential Families of America
   
6. Title: Book: The Magna Charta Surenties, 1215
   Author: Frederick Lewis Weis, The Magna Charta Surenties, 1215 (Baltimore, Maryland: 5th edition, 1999), 154.
   Publication: Name: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/49232/FLHG_MagnaChartaSureties-0178;
   
7. Title: Great Migration Begins, Vol 2, G-O
   Author: Land exchanging hands from John Prescott to Richard More of Salem
   Publication: Name: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/2496/42521_b158319-00609?pid=56689&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3DGDu720%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue%26indiv%3D1%26db%3DGreatMigration%26gss%3Dangs-d%26new%3D1%26rank%3D1%26gsfn%3Djohn%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3Dprescott%26gsln_x%3D0%26MSAV%3D1%26uidh%3Dzp9%26pcat%3D40%26fh%3D2%26h%3D56689%26recoff%3D4%25205%26ml_rpos%3D3&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=GDu720&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true;
   
8. Title: John Prescott, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
   Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-CS1N : 18 October 2022), John Prescott and Mary Platts, ; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
   Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-CS1N;
   
9. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, Death, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1721)
   Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DNW3 : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, 5 Dec 1721; citing Death, Little
   Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DNW3;
   
10. Title: WikiTree: John Prescott Ancestry Disproved
    Author: “John Prescott Ancestry Disproved.” https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:John_Prescott_Ancestry_Disproved. Accessed 5 Apr. 2019.
    Publication: Name: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:John_Prescott_Ancestry_Disproved;
    Note: Source created by RecordSeek.com
    Page: Created by http://RecordSeek.com
    
11. Title: U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
    Author: Source number: 548.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: KHG
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/7836/records/978323;
    
12. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915" (1648)
    Author: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZKY-893 : 10 February 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, 1648; citing LANCASTER,WORCESTER,MASSACHUSETTS, ; FHL microf
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZKY-893;
    
13. Title: A Genealogy of the Wheeler Family
    Author: Book has illustrations and maps. It is by Richard Smith Wheeler June 1970. He is very good in attaching sources. Also credited for additions is Richard Merrill Wheeler 2013-18, primarily for illustrations.
    Publication: Name: http://web.cortland.edu;
    
14. Title: "Recent Books," The American Genealogist 34, no. 3
    Author: "Recent Books," The American Genealogist, 34, no. 3 (July 1958): 180.
    Publication: Name: https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/american-genealogist-the/image?pageName=180&volumeId=11865;
    
15. Title: West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1512-1812
    Author: West Yorkshire Archive Service; Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Yorkshire Parish Records; New Reference Number: WDP53/1/1/5
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2256/records/158960316;
    
16. Title: Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Z7-H6X4?cc=2106411&wc=MCBB-GM9%3A361613501%2C363940801
    Author: "Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Z7-H6X4?cc=2106411&wc=MCBB-GM9%3A361613501%2C363940801 : 22 May 2014), Middlesex > Deed index (grantee) 1639-1799 H-R > image 462 of 555; county courthouses and offices, Massachusetts.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Z7-H6X4;
    Note: Deed index (grantee) 1639-1799 H-R for Middlesex County for Jonathan Prescott, John Prescott, Jonas Prescott, Jonas Jr.
    
17. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915"
    Author: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZKY-893 : 15 January 2020), John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, 1648.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZKY-893;
    
18. Title: Book: A History of the Town of Concord
    Author: Lemuel Shattuck, A History of the Town of Concord; Middlesex County, Massachusetts, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1832; and of the Adjoining Towns, Bedford, Acton, Lincoln, and Carlisle (Boston, Massachusetts: Russell, Odiorne and Company, 1835). 381-382.
    Publication: Name: https://archive.org/stream/historyoftownofc00shat_0#page/380;
    
19. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, Death, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1723)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DFX8 : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, 1723; citing Death, Littleton, Midd
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DFX8;
    
20. Title: Lineages of Members of the National Society of Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Vol. I
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=FLHG-SonsDaughtersPilgrimsI&h=429572&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt;
    
21. Title: Ancestry Family Trees
    Author: Ancestry Family Tree
    
22. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, Death, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DNW3 : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, 5 Dec 1721; citing Death, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DNW3;
    
23. Title: AmericanAncestors
    Author: "AmericanAncestors.org would like to hear from you!." AmericanAncestors.org would like to hear from you!. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2017. .
    Publication: Name: https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/massachusetts-vital-records-to-1850/transcript/?volumeId=13320&pageName=20&rId=238395094;
    Note: death "John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, aged about seventy-seven years; nuncupative will proved December 20, 1681."
    Page: verifies death
    
24. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Ruth Brown, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1718)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-64M9 : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Ruth Brown, 18 Dec 1718; citi
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-64M9;
    
25. Title: Book: Mary Gawkroger 1612 1629 1678 Wife of John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts
    Author: Frederick Lewis Weis, Mary Gawkroger 1612 1629 1678 Wife of John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts (No place: No publisher, 1959), 3.
    Publication: Name: https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE5415434;
    
26. Title: John Prescott, "Find A Grave Index"
    Author: "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVQ-VM28 : 9 June 2021), John Prescott, ; Burial, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America, Old Settlers Burial Yard; citing record ID 6238510, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVQ-VM28;
    Note: Birth: 1605 Death: Dec., 1681 Lancaster Worcester County Massachusetts, USA John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, MA. John Prescott, Sr. was born about 1605 in England and died in Lancaster, MA in 1683. He married Mary Gawkroger (alias Platt) (1607-1718) on April 11, 1629 in Sowerby, Yorkshire, England. The first 5 of their children were born in England except for the fifth child Hannah who was probably born in Barbados, West Indies in 1639. Their children included: Mary (Thomas Sawyer), Martha (John Rugg), John, Jr. (Sarah), Sarah (1 Richard Wheeler, 2 Joseph Rice), Hannah (John Rugg widower of Martha), Lydia (1 Jonas Fairbanks, 2 Elias Barron, Jr.), Capt. Jonathan (1 Dorothy Heald, 2 Elizabeth Hoar, 3 Rebecca Wheeler, 4 Ruth Brown), Joseph (probable that there was no son Joseph and that his existence at all is due to a clerks error in an early history of Concord, MA), Capt. Jonas, Sr. (Mary Loker). John and Mary were in Watertown, MA in 1640 and moved from there to the Nashaway Plantation in 1643 which was later to become Lancaster. Jonas was born here before Lancaster was incorporated so his birth was registered in Groton. There may have been two other children who died in infancy in England. Mary's alias "Platts" appears to come from English lands by that name that passed down through the Gawkroger family. The main source of this information is William Prescott's 1870 "Prescott Memorial." Bio Submitted by: Bob Speckman Salem, OR August 2008 According to societies like "The Order of The Crown of Charlemagne in the United States of America", John Prescott's father was Sir Ralph Prescott and his mother was wife Ellen. Famous Descendants are President George HW Bush, President George W Bush, Senator Prescott Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Poet Robert Frost, and Samuel Prescott (Completed Paul Revere's Midnight Ride) Family links: Spouse: Mary Gawkroger-Platts Prescott (1607 - 1688) Children: Martha Prescott Rugg (____ - 1655)* Mary Prescott Sawyer (1629 - 1705)* John Prescott (1634 - 1700)* Sarah Prescott Wheeler Rice (1637 - 1727)* Hannah Prescott Rugg (1639 - 1697)* Lydia Prescott Fairbanks Barron (1641 - ____)* Jonathan Prescott (1643 - 1721)* Jonas Prescott (1648 - 1723)* *Calculated relationship Inscription: Original grave marker: JOHN PRESCOTT DECASED A memorial stone erected a long time after John Prescott's death: HERE WITH HIS CHILDREN ABOUT HIM LIES JOHN PRESCOTT FOUNDER OF LANCASTER AND FIRST SETTLER OF WORCESTER COUNTY BORN AT STANDISH, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND DIED AT LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS, DEC. 1681. INSPIRED BY THE LOVE OF LIBERTY AND THE FEAR OF GOD, THIS STOUT-HEARTED PIONEER FORSAKING THE PLEASANT VALES OF ENGLAND TOOK UP HIS ABODE IN THE UNBROKEN FOREST AND ENCOUNTERED WILD BEAST AND SAVAGE TO SECURE FREEDOM FOR HIMSELF AND HIS POSTERITY HIS FAITH AND VIRTUES HAVE BEEN INHERITED BY MANY DESCENDANTS WHO IN EVERY GENERATION HAVE WELL SERVED THE STATE IN WAR, IN LITERATURE, AT THE BAR, IN THE PULPIT, IN PUBLIC LIFE AND IN CHRISTIAN HOMES Note: Age: Approx 76. Founder of Lancaster. (footstone broken) Burial: Old Settlers Burial Yard Lancaster Worcester County Massachusetts, USA Plot: Maintained by: LawMichigander Originally Created by: Jim Sanders Record added: Mar 06, 2002 Find A Grave Memorial# 6238510
    
27. Title: West Yorkshire, England, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1512-1812
    Author: West Yorkshire Archive Service; Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Yorkshire Parish Records; Old Reference Number: D53/1/5; New Reference Number: WDP53/1/1/5
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2256/records/8951535;
    
28. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Dorothy Platts, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HG8Q : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Dorothy Platts, 3 Aug 1660; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HG8Q;
    Page: Birth of Jonathan Prescott to John and Mary Platts Prescott.
    
29. Title: Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
    Author: Place: Massachusetts; Year: 1637; Page Number: 230
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/7486/records/1434850;
    
30. Title: John Prescott, "U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current"
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/60525/records/2772927;
    
31. Title: The Descendants of Willoughby Prescott
    
32. Title: John Prescott and Mary Gawkroger marriage record
    Author: West Yorkshire Archive Service; Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Yorkshire Parish Records; New Reference Number: WDP53/1/1/5 Ancestry.com, West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1512-1812
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2256/records/158960316;
    Note: This record at Ancestry has an image of the original. Apr. Nupt. 1629 11 John Prescot Mary Gawkrogers Sower.
    
33. Title: Family Data Collection - Deaths
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/5771/records/2101637;
    
34. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915"
    Author: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZK1-Q3Y : 15 January 2020), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, 1646.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZK1-Q3Y;
    
35. Title: John Prescott, "wikitree.com"
    Publication: Name: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Prescott-34;
    
36. Title: Book: John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1643-1681
    Author: Frederick Lewis Weis, John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1643-1681 (Dublin, New Hampshire: No publisher, 1961).
    Publication: Name: https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE1169691;
    
37. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Ruth Brown, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-64M9 : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Ruth Brown, 18 Dec 1718; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-64M9;
    
38. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Ruth Brown, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1718)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HGX3 : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Ruth Brown, 18 Aug 1718; citi
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HGX3;
    
39. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915" (1646)
    Author: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZK1-Q3Y : 10 February 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott, 1646; citing LANCASTER,WORCESTER,MASSACHUSETTS, ; FHL mic
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZK1-Q3Y;
    
40. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Elizebeth Hoar, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-F2RJ : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Elizebeth Hoar, 23 Dec 1675; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-F2RJ;
    
41. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Dorothy Platts, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1660)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HG8Q : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Dorothy Platts, 3 Aug 1660; c
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HG8Q;
    
42. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Ruth Brown, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HGX3 : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Ruth Brown, 18 Aug 1718; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-HGX3;
    
43. Title: Book: Ancestry of John Barber White and of His Descendants
    Author: John Barber White, Ancestry of John Barber White and of His Descendants (Haverhill, Massachusetts: Press of C. H. Webster, 1913), 125-128.
    Publication: Name: https://archive.org/stream/ancestryofjohnba00whit#page/124;
    
44. Title: A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England showing three generations of those who came before May, 1692, on the basis of Farmer's Register : Savage, James, 1784
    Author: "A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England showing three generations of those who came before May, 1692, on the basis of Farmer's Register : Savage, James, 1784." 1873 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive https://archive.org/details/genealogicaldic03savarich/page/480/mode/2up. Accessed 23 Mar. 2020.
    Publication: Name: https://archive.org/details/genealogicaldic03savarich/page/480/mode/2up;
    Note: Vol. 3 Source created by RecordSeek.com
    Page: Volume 3, p. 481, genealogical notes on family of John Prescott, son Jonas, and others.
    
45. Title: Book: The Genealogical and Encyclopedic History of the Wheeler Family in America
    Author: Albert Gallatin Wheeler, Jr., The Genealogical and Encyclopedic History of the Wheeler Family in America (Boston, Massachusetts: American College of Genealogy, 1914). 498.
    Publication: Name: https://archive.org/stream/genealogicaland00genegoog#page/n536;
    
46. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Elizebeth Hoar, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1675)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-F2RJ : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Elizebeth Hoar, 23 Dec 1675;
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-F2RJ;
    
47. Title: Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Z3-W9MW-G?cc=2106411&wc=MCBY-Y68%3A361613501%2C363557001
    Author: "Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Z3-W9MW-G?cc=2106411&wc=MCBY-Y68%3A361613501%2C363557001 : 22 May 2014), Middlesex > Deed index (grantor) 1639-1799 H-R > image 510 of 609; county courthouses and offices, Massachusetts.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Z3-W9MW-G;
    Note: Grantor Index for Middlesex County, 1669 - 1708, including John, Jonathan, Jonas, and Samuel
    
48. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Rebecca Bulkley, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-H3ML : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Rebecca Bulkley, 18 Dec 1689; citing Marriage, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-H3ML;
    
49. Title: Colonial Families of the USA, 1607-1775
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/61175/records/57778;
    
50. Title: Great Migration, Vol 4, I-L
    Author: Thomas King and John Prescott
    Publication: Name: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/2496/42521_b158315-00276?pid=32032&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3DGDu718%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue%26indiv%3D1%26db%3DGreatMigration%26gss%3Dangs-d%26new%3D1%26rank%3D1%26gsfn%3Djohn%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3Dprescott%26gsln_x%3D0%26MSAV%3D1%26uidh%3Dzp9%26pcat%3D40%26fh%3D0%26h%3D32032%26recoff%3D4%25205%26ml_rpos%3D1&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=GDu718&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true;
    
51. Title: Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2495/records/82184164;
    
52. Title: Family Data Collection - Births
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/5769/records/3603427;
    
53. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott & Rebecca Bulkley, Marriage, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" (1689)
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-H3ML : 29 November 2018), John Prescott in entry for Jonathan Prescott and Rebecca Bulkley, 18 Dec 1689;
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-H3ML;
    
54. Title: American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI)
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/3599/records/1159664;
    
55. Title: Early New England people : some account of the Ellis, Pemberton, Willard, Prescott, Titcomb, Sewall and Longfellow
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/17842/records/225;
    
56. Title: Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/2495/records/6882260;
    
57. Title: John Prescott, "North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000"
    Author: Book Title: The Ancestors of the John Lowe Family Circle and their descendants
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/collections/61157/records/1429207;
    
58. Title: John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington
    Note: John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. That John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts was the son Ralph Prescott (d. 1608), and a great-grandson of James Prescott by Alice Standish was first published by William Prescott in his Prescott Memorial in 1870.[1] However, this was later rejected by Donald Lines Jacobus in his Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines in 1933 who, without much discussion, simply stated “the identity does not seem to have been positively established.”[2] Next came Frederick Lewis Weis who in 1957 published Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott which, following The Prescott Memorial, showed a rather illustrious ancestry for John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. through his father Ralph Prescott and grandmother Alice Standish.[3] When the book was reviewed in The American Genealogist by editor Donald Lines Jacobus, he stated that his opinion had not changed from the one he gave 25 years before in Botsford-Marble, that the identity remains unproven.[4] Weis attempted to answer Jacobus’ criticisms and published Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959). When this book was reviewed by Jacobus, the conclusions of Weis were sharply criticized and rejected again.[5] Jacobus called out Weis for drawing firm conclusions from possibilities and suppositions. He did not deny that Weis could be right regarding the parentage of John Prescott, just that it remained unproven and should not be stated so categorically as fact. The noted genealogist John G. Hunt also evaluated the problem and also rejected the conclusions of Weis in a NEHGR article in 1959. He pointed out that the only certain English home of John Prescott was in Halifax, Yorkshire. And that there were many Prescott families in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with a number of possible John Prescotts who could be the immigrant.[6][7] Weis in 1961 defended his position and published John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). I’m not sure there was anything new here compared with his 1959 book. He was restating his positions. Of course, Weis stuck to his guns and published the lines in his "Ancestral Roots" and "Magna Carta Sureties" book series, which is the original basis of many online databases.[8][9] Here the debate sat with Weis firmly stating the descent is “conclusively proven” and Jacobus saying “it remains unproven.” Though Jacobus did not deny the possibility, he did find it unlikely. However it should be noted, the editors of later editions of AR and MCS (Walter Lee Shepard, William R. Beall and David Faris) broke the line with: The Magna Carta Sureties 1215, 4th edition (1991): page130. – “There is insufficient evidence to identify John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with John, son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. Research is continuing.” And in Ancestral Roots, seventh edition (1992): page 39. – “The identification of John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. with the son John, of Ralph of Shevington is still challenged. See TAG 34:180 and elsewhere. While evidence is not conclusive, the alternatives are not either. This line requires further work.” The matter was finally settled by Adell T. Prescott who led an exhaustive investigation into the Lancashire and Yorkshire Prescotts. John Prescott of Lancaster, Mass. is definitively proven to not be the son of Ralph Prescott of Shevington. The conclusion was first published in the quarterly newsletter Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott[10], but see also March 1992 and the near quarterly updates into the ongoing English research published over the next decade. The research of Adell T. Prescott is very good and examined the wills of the Prescotts and many related families, land records, law suits, marriage settlements and parish records to show that John, son of Ralph Prescott, never left his home of Longryding in Shevington. It is perhaps unfortunate that this excellent research was not published in a more widely available source.[11] Among the observations and conclusions (see articles for detailed evidence): 1. Weis incorrectly stated the parish records at Standish contained a gap from 1602-1610. The records do exist and no son John was born in the time period. 2. John was the oldest son of Ralph and Helen Prescott and likely born between 1590 and 1592 when a gap in the records do exist. 3. John Prescotts’s father Ralph and grandfather Roger both lived at Longryding in Shevington. John Prescott continued to live here and was frequently called in records John Prescott of Longryding until his death in 1661. John’s son Ralph was also of Longryding until his death in 1702. 4. John Prescott, son of Ralph, did not marry in Yorkshire and move to Massachusetts, he married Margaret Walthew at Wigan on 30 September 1616. 5. He was the father of Roger Prescott of Hindley and Ralph Prescott of Longryding in Shevington. 6. John Prescott of Longryding who served as executor of the will of his nephew Ralph Chamberlain in 1653. (son of Edward Chamberlain who married a sister of John Prescott). 7. John Prescott was buried at Standish on 2 December 1661. 8. His son Ralph married (settlement 1649) Margaret Rylands. This Ralph was also of Longryding in Shevington when he died 1702. Sources Footnotes and citations: ↑ Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a genealogical memoir of the Prescott families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34. ↑ Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com. ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org ↑ The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus. ↑ TAG vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus. ↑ NEHGR vol. 133 (1959): pages 70-71. Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt. ↑ English Origins of New England Families, Second Series Vol. II (Baltimore, 1985): pages 937-938, Parentage of John Prescott, by John G. Hunt. Ancestry.com Link (Note: reprint of NEHGR vol. 133:70-71). ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link ↑ Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by Weis show the line as proven. Beginning with the 4th edition, the line is marked unproven. ↑ Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott ↑ Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington, by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992 Source list: The American Genealogist vol. 34 (1958): pages 180-181. Recent Books: Eight lines of Descent of John Prescott… by Donald Lines Jacobus. AmericanAncestors.org Link The American Genealogist vol. 37 (1961): pages 117-119. Book Reviews: Forty sound reasons why John Prescott …, by Donald Lines Jacobus. Holman, Mary Lovering. Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens and his Wife Frances Helen Miller, vol. 1 (New Hampshire, 1948): pages 54-60. Jacobus, Donald Lines. An American Family: Botsford-Marble Ancestral Lines (1933): page 187. Available on ancestry.com. Prescotts Unlimited vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott Prescotts Unlimited Quarterly Newsletter, vol. XIII no. 2 (June 1992): 17-21 "English Research Continued: The Ancient Prescotts of Shevington", by Adell T. Prescott. See also March 1992. Prescott, William. The Prescott Memorial: or, a Genealogical Memoir of the Prescott Families in ... (Boston, 1870): pages 32-34. Caution: Original source of error regarding John Prescott's origins. Weis, Frederick Lewis. Eight Lines of Descent of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1645, from Alfred the Great, King of England, 871-901. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1957). Available at hathitrust.org Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins. Weis, Frederick Lewis. Forty sound reasons why John Prescott (born at Shevington, Lancashire, 1604); John Prescott (of Sowerby, Halifax Parish, co. York, who married Mary Gawkroger there in 1629); and John Prescott (who died at Lancaster, Massachusetts, 1681, aged 77 years) are one and the same person. (Dublin, N.H.: privately published, 1959). Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins. Weis, Frederick Lewis. John Prescott of Lancaster, Massachusetts 1643-1681. (Peterborough, N.H., 1961). Available at hathitrust.org. Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins. Weis, Frederick Lewis. Ancestral roots of sixty colonists who came to New England 2nd edition. (Lancaster, 1951): pages 51-52, 136-137, Lines 34 and 170. Note this line was noted as unproven beginning with the 1992 7th edition. HathiTrust.org Link Caution: Source in error regarding John Prescott's origins. Weis, Frederick Lewis. Magna Carta Sureties, 1215, 4th edition. (Baltimore, 1991): pages 129-130, Line 116. Note that the first three editions published by
    
59. Title: Great Migration, Vol 5, M-P
    Author: Purchase of Watertown land from Daniel Perse
    Publication: Name: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/2496/42521_b158316-00571?pid=39644&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc%3DGDu719%26_phstart%3DsuccessSource%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue%26indiv%3D1%26db%3DGreatMigration%26gss%3Dangs-d%26new%3D1%26rank%3D1%26gsfn%3Djohn%26gsfn_x%3D0%26gsln%3Dprescott%26gsln_x%3D0%26MSAV%3D1%26uidh%3Dzp9%26pcat%3D40%26fh%3D1%26h%3D39644%26recoff%3D4%25205%26ml_rpos%3D2&treeid=&personid=&hintid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=GDu719&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true;
    
60. Title: English Origins of New England Families, Second Series Vol. II
    Publication: Name: https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=FLHG-EnglishOrigins2Vol2&h=192378&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt;
    
61. Title: Article: "Recent Books," The American Genealogist 34, no. 3
    Author: "Recent Books," The American Genealogist, 34, no. 3 (July 1958): 180.
    Publication: Name: https://www.americanancestors.org/databases/american-genealogist-the/image?pageName=180&volumeId=11865;
    Note: Indicates that John Prescott not proven to be son of Ralph Prescott
    
62. Title: John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, Death, "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001"
    Author: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DFX8 : 18 October 2022), John Prescott in entry for Jonas Prescott, 1723; citing Death, , Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 007578571.
    Publication: Name: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1K-DFX8;