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Notes for Benjamin Hearnden

Johnson, Harrington and Allied Familes, compiled by Mrs. Clarke H. Johnson, The American Historical Society, New York, 1933, p 32: Tradition says that the name Harrington finds its origin in the word "Heathrington", meaning home-loving, which is a marked characteristic of the family. However, according to Mr. Harrison, an authority on English surnames, it is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "here", army, plus "inga", a form of the suffix ing, and "tun", a manor or estate. A town in County Cumberland bears the name Harrington. Many variant spellings of the surname are recorded, among them, Hearnden, Hernden, Hernton, Herendeen, and Herrendon. (Bardsley: Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. Harrison: Surnames of the United Kingdom, Vol. I. Beers: Representative Men and Old Familes of Rhode Island, Vol I., p 468)
P 36, His will, dated February 1, 1687, was presented fro probate April 4, 1688. In it his wife, Elizabeth, was named the executrix. The inventory of his estate taken May 27, 1687, placed the valuation at 42 pounds 7 shillings and 4 pence.
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The name seems to originally have been Hearnden, Herndell, etc. but became established as Harrington by the third generation in New England.

As the record goes, Benjamin wanted to be a Baptist and Mass. did not allow it so he set out to go to Rhode Island, As Stated he met up with a wagon train and tagged along. He met a family called White and later married Elizabeth.

Benjamin was probably living is Essex County, Massachusetts in December 1647 when he was presented in Lynn for beating his wife, as witnessed by Ezekiel Gilbert and Henry Collins. Apparently, Elizabeth was not free from scandal herself. She was presented for stealing clothes from Mary Pray and was ordered to make double restitution. (Essex Court Files, 1:133, 137)
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Source: Annals of The Town of Providence from its First Settlement, to the Organization of the City Government, in June, 1832, by William R Staples, Providence, Printed by Knowles and Vose, 1843: p60-61, "The 19th of 11 mo. 1645 (January 19, 1646) We whose names are hereafter subscribed, having obtained a free grant of 25 acres of land, apiece, with the right of commoning according to the said proportion of lands, from the free inhabitants of this town of Providence" Benjamin Herendeen, his mark. Also listed was John Clawson, John Brown
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Source: The Early Records of the Town of Providence (in 23 vols) printed under authority of the City Council of Providence, Snow and Farnham City Printers, Providence, RI, 1892,
Vol 2, p 29-30: February 19, 1645: List of men who received a Free Grant of 25 acres in Towne of Providence, Benjamin Herden his Marke X
Vol 2, p 55-56: January 1, 1651, "It is Ordered that Benjamin Herden shall have the priviledges of 25 Acres, his home = Lot next to the last field side ffence."
Vol 15, p 37: April 27, 1651 It is ordered that Benjamin Hernden shall have the privileges of 25 acres, his home lot next ot the last field side fence.
Vol 15, p 63: June 1652 Benjamen Hernden and John Clawson were on the tax list
Vol15, p 64: January 28, 1653 "it is the desire of Biniobin Herinden Junior and som others that the line betwixt edward ingman senior and the town may be run as concerning the Meadowes that in soe doeing the towns Common may not be damnified for the want of the runing therof" his mark Biniobin Herindin
Vol 2, p 77-78: January 19, 1654 "In Answer to a Letter from the Massachusets Colony touching the returning of an Apprentice to his Master in the Bay: It is Ordered, that if the said Apprentice his ffather Benjamin Hernden, in whose keeping, the said Apprenticed is, do not returne the said Aprentice speedily into the Bay, that the Constable shall forthwith apprehend him, & convey him to his master"
Vol 2, p 77-78: January 19, 1654 "Benjamin Hernden 4 acres to be added to his home = Lot 11 pole wide & 60 pole long"
Vol 2, p 100: February 25, 1656 "ordered yt Sam: Bennet & Ben: Herndell carry ye note but ye returnes Waite refuseing to come."
Vol 2, p 98: October 27, 1656, Providence "ordered yt William White be accomodated with a house Lot adjoining to Benjamin Herndell his house lot and further according to convenience Ordered it be left to y discretion of y Towne Deputies about yt inlargeing of Benjamine Herndell his lot."
Vol 15, p 73: May 18, 1658 a list of freemen taken at Warwicke lists Benjaaman Herndell second on the list
Vol 15, p 75-76: February 17, 1659 Benjamin Herndon was given a 10 pound bond if he didn't appear in court on March 2nd next to answer "the breach of peace and fright comitted on the family of William White, of this Towne". William White was also bonded 10-pounds to appear at the next town court in Providence to prosecute Benjamin.
Vol 15, p 78: August 31, 1659 The declaration of Samuel Bennett of Providence bringing action to court against Benjamin Hernden because he suffered great damage in his corne by the swine of Benjamin Hernden. Benjamin refuses all fair means of satisfaction, 5 pounds.
Vol 1, p 94: October 21, 1659 John Clawson sells Richard Prey land except lot next to Benjamin Hearnton
Vol 15, p 83-84: November 3, 1661 Roger William asks the council to once more take up the business of John Clawson's goods. Benjamin and Elizabeth Hearnden were there when he was dying. Roger Williams based on Elizabeth's testimony believes that John meant for Roger to have his goods. He is asking to be given the letters of administration for John's estate. There is an interesting memo on the page in italic. I don't understand it, but am recording it here.
"Memo. This Paper was taken to Newport by Theodore Foster and was read in Capt Gardners Packet on Sunday June 17th 1814 the Gentlemen then Present returning from the General Assembly to Providence, among whom was present Robert Harris Esq who informed them the within names John Clawson was attacked with a Broad Ax by an Indian from Behind Barberry Bushes near the Place where the Burying Place now is or the north End of Providence instigated thereto by John Harrington or Harrandean That Clawsons Chedst was Split open. That Clawson supposed Harrandean had been the cause of it and imparted a Curse upon him and his Posterity "That they might be marked with Split Chins and haunted with Barberry Bushes."
Vol 3, p 23: May 9, 1662 "It is ordered that Benjamin Hernton shall have 8 acres of Land Returned to him Againe, of the j6 acres hee formerly yelded up unto the Towne for 4 Acres by his house; The which 8 acres shall be taken up without the bounds fixed for comon:/"
Vol 4, p 9-11: October 16, 1662 William White of Boston, bricklayer, with consent of wife Elizabeth, for 20-pounds sterling, "payd by Elizabeth the wife of Benjamin Herenden of Providence" confirmed to Benjamin 25 acres of land, dwelling house, and other housing in Providence
Vol 1, p 68-71: December 25, 1662 Benjamin Hearnton sells land to Zacariah Roades, land lies between the River of Pautuckett and the River of Pautuxett also land which belonged to WIlliam White formerly of Providence now of Boston.
Vol 3, p 71-74: February 19, 1665 list the names in order as they were drawn for the devision of land on the East Side of the Seven mile line. Benjamin Hearnton drew lot 86.
Vol 3, p 101: May 31, 1666 a list of names of those who have engaged "Alegance to his Majestye King Charles the second" Benjamin Hearnton Senr is listed.
Vol 1 , p 28: September 2, 1667 Benjamin Herendoun witness a land sale
Vol 3, p 110: October 28, 1667 "Ordered that Beniman Hernton shall Receue acording to ye Towne order Concerning wolues a halfe penny a head for all & Euery of the Chattle in this Towne."
Vol 3, p 152-153: June 6, 1670 "Henery Browne & Benjaman Hearnton are Chosen Sirueiours for the Repairing of the high wayes of this Towne"
Vol 3, p 219: March 1, 1671 "Voated by ye Towne, that ye deed which Roger Williams hath this day presented betwixt Benjamin Hernton & him selfe, as a deed of sale upon John Clawsons house & Lott be recorded in our Towne Booke verbatom.
Vol 5, p 334: Benjamin records the promise to buy John Clawson, Dutchman, house and lands from Roger Williams for 11 pounds, 5 pounds the first years, 3 pounds the 2nd year, and as much in the "3rd year following in cloth and stockings and corne, and aples, at the comon and vsuall price"
Vol 3, p 199-200: Last Munday in may in the yeare 1671 List of names giving "Engagement of Aleigance to his majesstye Charles the Second" listed was Benjamin Hernden
Vol 15, p 135: June 3, 1671 List of a rate of 5` pounds levied upon the Town of Providence Ben Herndon Senr 5 shillings 9 pence
Vol 3, p 227: Aprel 28, 1673 "Beniman Herenden Acording to the towne presented a bill to Chang a Shar of meddow or fiue Acers of Land"
Vol 3, p 229-230: "Laid out to Beniaman Hernden by Samuel Bennett suruaior vpon the Acoumpt of Exchange of his meddow which Lay Near to Dexters Bridge, seuen Acors of vpland"
Vol 3, p 242-243: "Laid out vnto Beniamin Herenden owne Lote jn Lingth Esterly and westerly owne hundred and sixty poles and jn breath Northerly and southerly sixty poles Beniamin Herndens lot Lieth Not far from ye hous ye Edwerd Jnmans now liueth at"
Vol 5, p 330: March 11, 1674 Roger Williams records 6 shillings 9 pence which makes up the full sum of 11 pounds for which Roger sold to Benjamin the house and land which was John Clawsons. May 12, 1675 recorded that debt discharged.
Vol 3, p 247: June 16, 1673 "suruaiors for the high waies to kepe thme jn Repar wear Chosen Thomas Robartes and Benimen Hernden."
Vol 4, p 2: April 27, 1674 "Layd out to William White one Lott which is nowe in the possion of Beniamen Hernden bounded partly with the Land of Beniamin Hern [ ] and partly with the Comon in Lingth one hunde & twenty pols & in bredth Eighty poles Layd out by Arthur ffenner survayer"
Vol 4, p 45-47: April 12, 1675 List of names drawn for the dividing of the land beyond or on the west side of the seven mile line. Ben Hernden drew 29.
Vol 4, p 47-49: May 24, 1675 List of names drawn for the dividing of the land Between the seven mile line and the four mile line on the east side of the seven mile line. Ben Hernden drew 63.
Vol 9, p 197: July 13, 1678 Memorandum that Benjamin Hernden of Providence, havae taken up a stray horse, of a sorrell color, bold face and woale eyes, 4 white feet, a hapany cutt out of the back side of his left ear and branded the left shoulder with the letter T, with the heele upward
Vol 8, p 49: June 2, 1679 Edward Inman and Benjamin Hernden are chosen to see to the repairing of the high waves of this town for this ensueing year.
Vol 15, p 198: November 15, 1679 Benjamin Hearnton on a list of persons who were present and voted on 3 people to send to the council in Newport as towne representatives.
Vol 8, p 93: March 11, 1680 Benjamin Hernden had been a witness to a land sale in the past that was up before the town meeting.
Vol 15, p 217: December 15, 1680 Benjamin asked the town to resolve whether the cader sawmpe (called and known by the name Wainsocitt) be the towne's Comon yea or nay for "I have occasion to make use of some of timber there and have been forwarned by the Moreys, challenging it to be their land. So desiring your positive answer there to. Remaining your neighbor, Benjamin Herden
Vol 8, p 114: June 5, 1682 Benjamin Hernden and Samuel Winsor chosen surveyors, for mending the highways for the ensuring year.
Vol 4, p 64-67: March 17, 1683/4 List of names drawn for "devision of ye lands on ye west side of ye seven mile line" Benjamin Hearnton drew 89.
Vol 17, p 131: January 27, 1684 "Neighbours, my request is that you would be pleased to accomodate me with a quantity of land of about 14 or 15 acres adjourning to my land at the brooke, called Robbins brooke; that so the said quantity of land maya be part of my next division of land which the towne hath ordered to be laid out, your friend and neighbour, Benjamin Hearnton Senr."
Vol 8, p 147: March 20, 1684 Benjamin Hearnton senr list as petty jury man
Vol 14, p 115: May 26, 1684 60 acres of land in the second division laid out unto Benjamin Hearnton Senior. Also in the same right and in the same division he received a piece of swamp land and some upland contained within it, also one small piece of meadow containing about one acre - this was in lew of a share of meadow in the second division
Vol 17, p 68: January 27, 1685 Benjamin Hernden requested that the town allow min his full right of land and meadow according to the rest of the 25 acre men that came in with a full RIght of Comoning according to the order of John Browne. "I convieving I came so in and I judge it was so recorded, or neglected or else it may be taken away by the Indians they having the books praying your consideration hopeing you will not deny me my request. Yours to serve Benjamin Hernden"
Vol 14, p 132-134: April 20, 1685 Benjamin Hearnton Senior and Elizabeth give to their son Benjamin because "hee is destitude of a placce of setlement" the 60 acres in the second division, swamp land and meadow
Vol 8, p 151: May 1685 granted unto Benjamin Hearnton senior that he may change 25 acres of land lying by the place called Robbins Runn.
Vol 17, p 60: June 1, 1685 "Neighbors my request is that I may change 25 acres of land which lieth upon the brooke called Robbins Runn and take it up else where on the townes Comon, Your Neighbor, Benjamin Hearnton, Senr
Vol 14, p 124-125: July 13, 1685 The land of Benjamin Hearnton senr in the second divison lying near the place call Wasquadomsett, which was laid out in the Right of William White should have been 60 acres which was reviewed and measured over on June 13, 1685 and found to be but 30 acres. The other part which was wanting was laid out as 27 acres on June 13 about a mile & a half southward from the original 30 acres. It was 25 acres of land which was laid down to Comon by the place called Robbins Runn and was with the towne of Providence exchanged. The other 2 acres being what was wanting of the said Hearnton his house lotts
Vol 8, p 152-153: July 27, 1685 "Whereas Benjamin Hearnton Senr hath inclosed a peece of land at ye West End of his home lotts by his now dwelling house, the which inclosure is greately detrementall to people obstructing theire convenient passage in ye highway; And whereas the said Benjamin Hearnton alledgeth that there was two acres of land wanting of measure in his said house Lotts and therefore he tooke in ye same; But upon a returne of landes to ye towne made this day by Thomas Olney (sirveior) it
appeareth that there is two acres of land laid out unto ye said Hearnton abroad in ye woods adjoyneing to his other landes there, to make up what he saith was wanting of his house lotts; It is therefore ordered by ye town that ye said Benjamin Hearnton shall forthwith with what convenient speede may be remoove away his said fence and lay ye said inclosed peece of land open again to ye comon. But whereas the said Benjamin Hearnton requesteth of ye towne that he might not be put upon it to set his fence just in ye range where formerly it stood, but that he might have a little matter of allowance of conveniency of setting of his said fence; It is therefore ordred, that Thomas Olney shall state ye place, and appoynt what allowance of land the said Hearnton shall there have"
Vol 5, p 34-36: Last Will and Testament dated February 1, 1686 gives homestead, lands, etc. to Elizabeth during her natural life, then to Isaac his son. Elizabeth and her new husband Richard Pray come to court on October 20, 1688 to transfer land to Isaac.
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Rhode Island Court Records, Records of the Court of Trials of the Colony of Providence Plantations 1647-1662, in two volumes, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence 1920
Vol 1, p 40: June 1658 Benjamin Herndall listed as a grand jury man and a pettit jury man in General Court Newport
Vol 1, p 70: March 12, 1660 The Indian Waumaion plead quilty of killing John Clawson. Then Benjamin Hernden was brought before the court on suspition that he was a principle in the murder committted by Waumaion upon John Clawson. The said Benjamin Hernden plead not quilty. The jury found him not guilty and cleared him.
Vol. 2, p 73-74: October 8, 1661General Court at Portsmouth Benjamin Hernden of Providence was bond to appear in court. He did not apear. The court bound him until the next court date.
Vol 2, p 56: May 6, 1667 General Court Newport "Upon Indictmt by William Harris Asist agst Benja Hernden of providence for asaultinge Resistinge with force and voyolance the cunstable in the Exicution of his office &c. The sd Hernden Enters Traverce pleads not Guilty and Referrs himsilfe to god and the cuntry for Tryall: The Jurrys Verdict Wee finde Benja. Hernden Guilty of Breach of the peace. The Court Doe sentance him to pay the sum of fifty shills to the Genrl Treasury and also pay Fees"
Vol 2, p 61: October 23, 1667 General Court Newport "Upon Indictments again William Harris, Thomas Harris senr and Thomas Harris Junr all of Providence fo Entering on the ground of Benjamin Hernden of the sayd providence and did there with force and armes asault and batter the sd Hernden. The sayd parties beinge to this Court Mandamassed and in Court Called apeered and beinge Distinkly Demanded whither Guilty or not Guilty they Refused to give a possitive Answer is taken as if they had not apeered And the Court being in a straight Concerninge the Law in that Case doe Referr the matter of passinge jugment till the next Court of Tryalls"
Vol 2, p 74: October 21, 1668 General Court Newport Benjamin Hernden of Providence being bound to the peace and good behavior and to apear at this court. Being called he did not apear. The court does see cause to continue his bonds till the next court.
Vol 2, p 77: May 10, 1669 General Court Newport Benjamin Herenden of Providence being bound to the last court and being called did not appear, was bound to this c ourt, being called doth not appear. The court sees cause to continue his bonds to the next court.
Vol 2, p 83: October 20, 1669 General Court Newport Benjamin Hearden who didn't appear at the court was continued to this court and now being called did not appear. The court declare his bonds to be forfitted and is permitted the Licke privilege that Leach hath.
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Rhode Island General Court of Trials 1671-1704, transcribed by Jane Fletcher Fiske, Boxford, Massachusetts, 1998, p 131, Newport Court Book A, General Court of Tryalls, March 31, 1685, Benja~ Hernden listed as a Juror
April 4, 1688 - "Elizabeth Hearnton Relict and Executrix of Benjamin Hearnton Late of the Towne of Providence in New England Deceased appeared and Presented the Will of the said Benjamin Hearnton dated the 1st day of February 1686 - 1686/7 and the Wittnesses to the said Will also appearing at the same Time upon Oath Testifie to the Trueth of the said Will, John Dexter and Thomas Arnold. The Inventory of the Estate of the said Benjamin Hearnton dated May 17, 1687 was also Presented being which amounted to being brought together 42 pound 7 shillings and 4.5 pence the Aprisers being part Present.
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Source: Tax Lists of the Town of Providence during the Administration of Sir Edmund Andros and his Council 1686-1689, compiled by Edward Field, Providence, Howard W Preston, 1895, p 38 List of all males 16 years of age and upwards residing in Providence August 1688 and liable for a poll tax, lists Beniamine Hernden. This may be Ben Jr, because Ben Sr died during this year.
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In his Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island, Austin states that Benjamin's will was presented for probate April 4, 1688 and an inventory of goods and property totalling 142-07-02 pounds was taken on May 27, 1687 without citing a source. It was suggested in an unidentified manuscript at The New England Historic Genealogical Society, that Isaac may have been the youngest child and perhaps this deed was a gift from Elizabeth to get Isaac started in married life.
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Source: Ancestry and Descendants of William Harrington or Herrington 1718-1794, unknown or Haerrington, Byron M., Cambridge, New York, 1964, p 5
"... marries Elizabeth White, of the Quaker faith. While in his teens Benjamin became a Baptist and followed Roger Williams to Rhode Island and settled in Providence on Harrington Lane, now Rochambeau Avenue. He fought in King Phillip's War and acquired considerable property, chiefly land.
He left 21 grandsons whose descendants were the first of the family to settle in Vermont and upstate New York. Only in later years did any of the descendants of Robert of Watertown come to these areas.
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Source: Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island, J H Beers and Co, Chicago, 1908, Volume 1, page 468
"The family of Harrington in Rhode Island - the name formerly spelled Harendeen, Hearndeen, Hearnden, Hernton, etc. - is of English origin, and tradition says the name finds its orgin from the word Heathrington, meaning "home loving". The English progenitors comprise an old English family, the seat of which is in Harrington, Northampton, where may be seen the coat of arms. The Rhode Island family trace their ancestry to Benjamin Hearnden, as the name in recorded, came, it is claimed by some, from England, and was of record in Providence as early as Oct. 16, 1662, when he purchased of William and Elizabeth White, of Boston, property consisting of a house and lot of 25 acres. The homestead was on North Main street and Harrington Lane, renamed North street, and since changed to Rochambeau avenue, named for the owner of the property there. The original homestead farm comprised a part of the North Burying Ground, and it was there, for two generations, that the Hearndens and Harringtons of Foster came to bury their dead. The wife of Benjamin Hearnden was formerly Elizabeth White, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth White, who remarried after her husband's death in 1687. Their children were: Sarah, Alice, Mary, Benjamin, Joseph, William, John, Thomas and Isaac.
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Source: Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England, printed by order of the legislature, transcribed and edited by John Russell Bartlett, Secretary of State, Volume I 1636 to 1663, Providence, Rhode Island, A. Crawford Greene and Brothers, State Printers, 1856,
. Vol I, p 387: At the General Court of Commissioners, held for the Colony of Warwick, the 18th of May 1658, lists freemen admitted from Providence. Among them is Benjamin Herndell and William White
. Vol II, 1664-1677, p 303 Generall Assembly of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, held at Newport, May 4, 1670: "There being a petition presented by Benjamin Hernden for the remitting of a fine that was imposed on him by the Generall Court of Trialles, October the 20, 1669, the Assembly considering the matter and the grownds alledged by him in his said petition, doe remitt the fine."
. Vol III, 1678-1706, p 58
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