WENTWORTH, Elder William
1613 - 1697 (84 years)
Set As Default Person 
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Name WENTWORTH, William [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] Title Elder Birth 15 Mar 1613 Alford, Lincolnshire, England 
[2, 6] Gender Male Arrival 1636 Boston, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA [3] Residence Between 1642 and 1649 Wells, York, Maine, USA [7] Public Service Between 1647 and 1649 Kittery, York, Maine, USA Member of Jury Public Service 1648 Wells, York, Maine, USA Constable Residence 1650 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Taxed in Dover for first time this year Public Service Between 1655 and 1697 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Ruler Elder of the first church in Dover Public Service 1657, 1660, 1661 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Lot Layer (arbitrate conflicting claims of land) Public Service 1661 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Moderator of Town Meetings Public Service 1663 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Commissioner (in charge of adjudging "small causes") Public Service 1651, 1657, 1660, 1664, 1665, 1670 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Selectman Burial 15 Mar 1697 Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire, USA [8] 
Burial Differentiator The Great Migration; Royal gateway ancestor; defended the garrison and lived through Dover Indian Massacre Gateway Ancestor Royal Descent and Magna Carta Great Migration William likely arrived Boston in 1636 or 1637, perhaps traveling with John Wheelwright's group. Historical Importance Gateway Ancestor Web Address https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wentworth_(elder) Web Address https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Wentworth-145 Name Wintworth, Winford, Wenford, Wintford, and Wantworth _DNA match Death 15 Mar 1697 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA [1, 6] Cause: Deceased a few days after he was "taken speechless with a sudden shivering" Burial Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA [6] 
Siblings1 brother Patriarch & Matriarch 
WENTWORTH, William, b. 1199, Wentworth, Yorkshire, Englandd. Yorkshire, England (11 x Great Grandfather) 
CARTER FLEMING, Susannah, b. 1592, Salisbury, Wiltshire, Englandd. 5 Jan 1620, Lincolnshire, England (Age 28 years) (Mother) Person ID I2882 My Genealogy Last Modified 4 Feb 2024
Father WENTWORTH, William, b. 8 Jun 1584, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England d. 3 Mar 1689, Alford or Rigby, Lincolnshire, England (Age 104 years) Relationship natural Mother CARTER FLEMING, Susannah, b. 1592, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England d. 5 Jan 1620, Lincolnshire, England (Age 28 years) Relationship natural Marriage 28 Nov 1614 Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England Family ID F785 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family 1 KENNEY, Elizabeth Knight, b. 1619 d. 4 Apr 1697, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 78 years)
Marriage 1640 New Hampshire, USA Married 1649 Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA [2] Married 1653 USA [1] Children + 1. WENTWORTH, Benjamin, b. 1670, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA d. Aug 1728, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 58 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ ALLEN, Sarah m. 1697; LEIGHTON, Elizabeth m. 1687+ 2. WENTWORTH, Sarah, b. 15 Apr 1666, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA d. 1706 (Age 39 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]3. WENTWORTH, Timothy, b. 1663, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 8 Jul 1719, Berwick, York, Maine, USA (Age 56 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]+ 4. WENTWORTH, Paul, b. 1657, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 1750, Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA (Age 93 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ CATHERINE m. 21 Apr 16815. WENTWORTH, Sylvanus, b. 1659, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 1689, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 30 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]+ 6. WENTWORTH, Ephraim, b. 1663, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA d. 29 Jun 1748, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 85 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ MILLER, Mary m. 22 Oct 16967. WENTWORTH, William, b. 1660 [Father: natural] [Mother: natural] 8. WENTWORTH, Gershom, b. 1649, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 2 Mar 1731, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 82 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]9. WENTWORTH, John, b. 1644, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA d. 25 Mar 1690, Canton, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA (Age 46 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]+ 10. WENTWORTH, Gershom, b. 1649, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 2 Mar 1731, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 82 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ FRENCH, Hannah m. 2 Jul 1690Photos 
U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700 Family ID F810 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 4 Feb 2024
Family 2 WIFE, First d. Bef 1653 Marriage Abt 1640 Children + 1. WENTWORTH, Samuel, b. 1641, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 25 Mar 1690, Portsmouth, Rockingham, New Hampshire, USA (Age 49 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]2. WENTWORTH, John, b. Abt 1647 d. 25 Mar 1690, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA (Age 43 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]+ 3. WENTWORTH, Gershom, b. 1649, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 2 Mar 1731, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 82 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ FRENCH, Hannah m. 2 Jul 1690+ 4. WENTWORTH, Ezekiel, b. Abt 1651, Rowley, Essex, Massachusetts, USA d. 6 May 1712, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA (Age 61 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ KNIGHT, Elizabeth m. 27 Jun 16765. WENTWORTH, Elizabeth, b. 1653 d. 16 Apr 1704, Berwick, York, Maine, USA (Age 51 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]Family ID F1007 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 4 Feb 2024
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Event Map 
Birth - 15 Mar 1613 - Alford, Lincolnshire, England 
Arrival - 1636 - Boston, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA 
Marriage - 1640 - New Hampshire, USA 
Residence - Between 1642 and 1649 - Wells, York, Maine, USA 
Public Service - Member of Jury - Between 1647 and 1649 - Kittery, York, Maine, USA Public Service - Constable - 1648 - Wells, York, Maine, USA 
Married - 1649 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Residence - Taxed in Dover for first time this year - 1650 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA 
Married - 1653 - USA Public Service - Ruler Elder of the first church in Dover - Between 1655 and 1697 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Public Service - Lot Layer (arbitrate conflicting claims of land) - 1657, 1660, 1661 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Public Service - Moderator of Town Meetings - 1661 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Public Service - Commissioner (in charge of adjudging "small causes") - 1663 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Public Service - Selectman - 1651, 1657, 1660, 1664, 1665, 1670 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA 
Burial - 15 Mar 1697 - Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire, USA Death - Cause: Deceased a few days after he was "taken speechless with a sudden shivering" - 15 Mar 1697 - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA Burial - - Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, USA = Link to Google Earth Pin Legend 
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Photos 
At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld. At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
Documents 
dover massacres in the 1600s-1700s 91-3-BW 91-4-BW 92-2-BW 90-4-BW 90-3-BW William Wentworth to Magna Carta At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
Histories 
Web Bio Letter re William Wentworth An inventory of Mr. William Wentworth, deceased. Elder William Wentworth Names of the First Settlers of Somersworth, New Hampshire (1650 – 1700) bio
External Links 
WikiTree: William Wentworth (1613-1697)
William likely arrived Boston in 1636 or 1637, perhaps traveling with John Wheelwright's group. The first evidence of his presence in New England was his signature on a petition for "Combination" for a government in Exeter, New Hampshire on 4 October 1639. He resided at Wells, Maine until about 1649, when he removed to Dover where he spent the rest of his life.William had two wives and we are descended from him on the Wright (Tucker) line through both. The first wife's name is unknown and we are descended through their son Ezekiel. Through his second wife, Elizabeth Kenney, we are descended through their son Benjamin. Wentworth is notable for the large number of his descendants who reached great prominence in the American colonies and in the United States. His grandson John Wentworth was the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of New Hampshire at a time when the governor was also the governor of Massachusetts. New Hampshire governors Benning Wentworth and Sir John Wentworth are also descendants, as were Judge John Wentworth and his son John Wentworth Jr., a New Hampshire representative to the Continental Congress.[
Albums The Exeter Combination (1639) (1)
Another defining moment in our family history and the early development of New England was the Exeter Combination. This historic document, crafted by John Wheelwright and signed by 35 freemen, including our ancestors William Wentworth, Darby Field, and Edmund Littlefield, as signers on July 4, 1639, marks a significant step in the journey towards self-governance in the New World.
William Wentworth, known as Elder William Wentworth, was an early settler of Exeter, demonstrating his commitment to the community through his active participation in its governance. Darby Field, celebrated for his adventurous spirit and as the first European to climb Mount Washington, also left his mark as one of the signatories. Edmund Littlefield, another signer, later became a prominent figure in Wells, Maine, known as "The Father of Wells," for his substantial contributions to the community.
While not signatories of the Exeter Combination, Reverend Samuel Dudley and Edward Gilman Jr. were also instrumental in the early history of Exeter. Reverend Samuel Dudley, arriving in New England in 1630, served as Exeter's minister for over three decades from 1650, providing much-needed spiritual leadership to this fledgling community. His influence extended beyond the pulpit, shaping the moral and social fabric of Exeter.
Edward Gilman Jr., another direct ancestor, played a pivotal role in the town's economic development. As an early settler, he was granted land and the right to establish Exeter's first sawmill, a cornerstone in the town's growth and prosperity.
The Exeter Combination, housed in the Exeter Historical Society, is not just a treasure of the town's heritage but a significant artifact in American history. It stands as a testament to the early attempts at self-governance in the New World and the spirit of resilience and community that characterized our ancestors.
In exploring the stories of these early settlers, we gain a deeper understanding of their contributions to the establishment and growth of Exeter. Their roles, whether as signatories of the Exeter Combination or as key figures in the town's founding, reflect a shared commitment to building a thriving community in the face of new and challenging frontiers.
Cocheco Massacre (1)
The Cocheco Massacre, also known as the Raid on Dover, was a tragic event that took place in Dover, New Hampshire, on June 27, 1689, during King William's War. This raid was orchestrated by Chief Kancamagus of the Pennacook tribe as an act of retribution against Major Richard Waldron.
Dover, established in 1623, had witnessed over fifty years of peaceful coexistence between English settlers and the local Penacook tribe. However, this harmony deteriorated due to perceived betrayals and encroachments on tribal lands by the settlers. On the fateful day of the massacre, Indian women discreetly unlocked the gates, allowing several hundred Pennacooks to infiltrate the area in the early morning hours. They stormed Major Waldron's garrison, overpowering and mortally wounding him with a slash across his chest. The attack resulted in the death of 23 people and the capture of 29, accounting for approximately a quarter of Dover's population at the time. Notably, some of our ancestors were among those affected by this tragic event.
The Cocheco Massacre signified a major escalation in the conflict between the settlers and the Pennacook tribe, leading to additional clashes that persisted for the next six decades.
Gateway Ancestors (1) 
Great Migration (119)
The "Great Migration," as defined by the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), encompasses the English Puritan migration to New England from 1620 to 1640. This movement primarily involved English Puritans who relocated in family units, driven by a quest for religious freedom and the aspiration to establish a Puritan commonwealth. These migrants originated from various regions of England and settled in areas that now form Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, including the Plymouth Colony and the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
An individual's inclusion in the Great Migration Study Project requires evidence of migration to New England within the specified period of 1620 to 1640. The project's objective is to compile biographical and genealogical profiles of all immigrants who arrived in New England during these two decades. The NEHGS has produced extensive volumes and directories, providing details about the lives of these immigrants. This collection presents research on many ancestors who were part of this significant historical migration.
You may be shocked by how many there are. Even I was at first. However, most of these Great Migration ancestors are my 9th and 10th great-grandparents, and in some cases 11th and 12th, and with the number of great-grandparents doubling with each generation, the possibilities quickly become immense. We have a total of 1024 sets of 9th great-grandparents and 2048 sets of 10th great-grandparents. This makes finding so many Great Migration ancestors more understandable.Notable Ancestors (0) 
Founding Families of Dover (1)
Dover, New Hampshire, holds the distinction of being the oldest permanent settlement in the state and the seventh oldest in the United States, established in 1623 by William and Edward Hilton at Pomeroy Cove on Dover Point. Originally known as Bristol, the area saw a second settlement at Dover Neck in 1633. Briefly an independent colony named Northam, it was officially named Dover in 1637, potentially after Robert Dover, an English lawyer known for his resistance to Puritanism.
The early township encompassed what are now Durham, Madbury, Newington, Lee, Somersworth, and Rollinsford. Nicknamed "the Garrison City" due to its garrisoned homes built from abundant trees for protection, Dover thrived despite challenges. The town utilized the Cocheco River for industrial purposes as early as 1642, starting with a sawmill, and later developing an extensive shipbuilding industry in the 1700s. By 1830, Dover had evolved into a prominent cotton goods manufacturer, with the Dover Cotton Factory established in 1814 marking the beginning of its textile industry.
Founding Families of Exeter (2)
Exeter, New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1638 by John Wheelwright. Wheelwright, a clergyman exiled from the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, purchased the land from Wehanownowit, the sagamore of the area. He named the town after Exeter in Devon, England, and brought about 175 individuals to establish the settlement. Exeter was one of the four original townships in the province and initially included Newmarket, Newfields, Brentwood, Epping, and Fremont.
The town's early economy was based on hunting, planting, fishing, raising cattle and swine, and producing shakes (shingles) and barrel staves. Thomas Wilson established the town's first grist mill on the eastern side of the island in the lower falls. The Gilman family, early settlers from Hingham, England, played a significant role in Exeter's development. They were involved in lumber, shipbuilding, and trading as far as the West Indies.
Exeter was also notable for its political significance. In 1774, the rebellious Provincial Congress began to meet in the Exeter Town House after being banned from Portsmouth by colonial governor John Wentworth. Exeter became New Hampshire's capital for 14 years, and the provincial records were brought there from Portsmouth.
Founding Families of Wells (3)
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Notes - The first record of Elder William Wentworth in America is on 4 Jul 1639 when his signature appeared, along with those of 35 others including Reverend John Wheelwright, on the Exeter Combination for government. Rev. Wheelwright had been banished from Massachusetts along with Anne Hutchinson (for his religious views) and had purchased from Native Americans the title to 2 pieces of land in New Hampshire. The settlement was created in 1638 around the lower falls of Swamscott River--what is now Exeter. The original document is preserved among the records of Exeter. The Combination is essentially similar to the "Mayflower Compact" in that it established a cooperative government where none existed.
William was from Wheelwright's parish in England and probably came to America with him or shortly after. As circumstantial evidence of this, just after Wheelwright's arrival in Boston (26 May 1636) Elder William Wentworth's father (William Sr) sold his property in England and there is no record of either of them in England after that.
As the Ruling Elder of the First Church in Dover, Elder William was responsible for preaching and serving the needs of the congregation in the absence of the preacher. Due to the geographic distance and difficulty many members had reaching the church held at the meeting house on Dover Neck, Elder William spent the last 40 years or so preaching. He was the first person ever employed by public authority to preach within the city limits of Dover, but he officiated more commonly at Quamphegan (now South Berrwick) which also served the Salmon Falls area. Later in life he also preached in Exeter.
The tale of how Elder William held off the Indians during the massacre at Cocheco in 1689 is well known. On 28 Jun 1689, Elder William was at Heard's garrison (the frontier post between Portsmouth and Canada), about a mile from his house. That night some of the squaws in the garrison requested to sleep by the kitchen fire (not unusual). But in the middle of the night, the squaws got up and admitted the attacking Indians. A dog barking at them awoke and alerted Elder William, who at 73 years of age managed to somehow push the entering Indians back out, shut the door, and then fall against it to barricade it until help came despite the shots being fired through the door just over his head while he held it. This was the only garrison saved that night. From the others attacked, 23 people were killed and 29 were taken captive.
- The first record of Elder William Wentworth in America is on 4 Jul 1639 when his signature appeared, along with those of 35 others including Reverend John Wheelwright, on the Exeter Combination for government. Rev. Wheelwright had been banished from Massachusetts along with Anne Hutchinson (for his religious views) and had purchased from Native Americans the title to 2 pieces of land in New Hampshire. The settlement was created in 1638 around the lower falls of Swamscott River--what is now Exeter. The original document is preserved among the records of Exeter. The Combination is essentially similar to the "Mayflower Compact" in that it established a cooperative government where none existed.
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Sources - [S59] Ancestry.com, U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2012;).
U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700 - [S52] Yates Publishing, U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2004;), Source number: 1384.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: GRG.
- [S1289] Ancestry.com, U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2010;), Place: Boston, Massachusetts; Year: 1636; Page Number: 72.
- [S1747] Gary Boyd Roberts, The Royal Descents of 900 Immigrants, (Name: Genealogical Publishing Company; Location: Baltimore, Maryland; Date: 2018;), Volume 1 pgs 708-709.
At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld. At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld. - [S2221] Ancestry.com, North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2016;), Book Title: History of the Dudley Family with genealogical tables, pedigrees, & c : number 1.
North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000 - [S1767] Ancestry.com, U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2012;).
- [S1282] Wentworth, John, The Wentworth Genealogy: English and American, Volume I, Pg 84.
- [S3367] Findagrave, (Location: Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire, USA; Date: 15 Mar 1697;), Elder William Wentworth 15 Mar 1697.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82608798/william-wentworthBurial
- [S59] Ancestry.com, U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2012;).