In preparing a sketch of Edward Bobet, the founder of our family, we are unable to find recorded much that throws light on his early years. The few items that are on record, however when considered together lead themselves in the formation of a presumptive account of his life, which seems to be reasonably sure to be correct. His appearance at Taunton when a mere boy, evidently possessed of means, can only be explained by the hypothesis that he came here in the company of near relatives perhaps as the step-son of one of the early proprietors of Taunton, whose name is withheld from us. In this connection the name of Jonas Austin suggests itself, it being he who sold Edward Bobet his first land in 1652 (before his marriage) and where he built his first house and brought his bride. Then, too, the Holloways and Hathaways could well be supposed near relatives from their close association with Bobet.
The first mention of Edward Bobet on record in this country is at Plymouth, where under date of 1643 we find his name among fifty-four others in a list of those between sixteen and sixty years of age, who are able to bear arms. From this we know that he was over sixteen years of age at this date, and presumably barely that age since he does not appear in any earlier record of this nature.
His next appearance is in the Plymouth Court records, the charge against him being an example of the strict discipline of those days:-
"At the Generall Court holden at Plymouth aforesaid, the sixt day of June 1649, xxx Presentments of the Grand Inquest. xxx Wee p-sent Edward Bobbit, of Taunton, for receuing pay for stollen wampon." xxx
Upon the margin of the same page, against the name of Edward Bobet, and opposite the charge is the official entry "Cleared."
November 19, 1652, Edward Bobet bought his first land as shown by the following deed:-
FROM PLYMOUTH COLONY RECORDS.
This prsent writing made the 19th day of November Anno dom 1652, between Jonas Austin of Taunton within of New Plymouth in New England yeoman on the one pte and Edward Bobbett yeoman of Taunton aforsaid on the other pte witnesseth That the said Jonas Austine for and in Consideration of seaven pounds of Current New English pay to the said Jonas made, hath bargained sold alliened given Graunted; and by these prsents doth fully Clearly and absolutely bargaine sells, Give and Graunt unto the above said Edward Bobbitt a Certaine pell of land sett lying and being within the Plantation or Township of Taunton aforesaid on the Southsyde of the Great River between the land of Edward Rew; which lyeth on the one syde of it; and the land of William Parker which lyeth on the other syde of it, extending it self from the said Great River with those lands by which it is bounded; containing twelve pole in breadth and in quantity by estimation; six acrees broad more or lesse; To have and to hold the same pssell of land with all and singuiare the appurtenances unto the said Edward Bobbitt, his heires and assignes forever To the onely use and behoofe of the same Edward Bobbitt his heires and assignes forever; And the said Jonas Austine doth for himselfe and his heires and assignes Covenant and by these prsents promise unto the said Edward Bobbitt, his heires and assignes full quiett possession use occupying and enjoyment of the aforsaid prmises for the time to come without any trouble re'ga'tion or molestation whatsoever; In virtues wherof the said, Jonas Austine hath heerunto sett his hand and seale the day and yeer above written.
Signed, sealed and possession of the said prmises Given in
the prsence of Willam Parker.
PETER PITTS
The mark of A JONAS AUSTINE and a [seale].This Conveyance was acknowledged by the man and his
wife this 23 of Aprill 1650 before us
JOSIAH WINSLOW
WILLIAM BRADFORD, Assistants.
Also see Edward Bobet and King Phillip's War
This page was last updated on 10/05/00 14:59