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 | WikiTree: William Clarke (1586-1647)
William Clarke's first wife (name unknown). With her, he had three children, including Sarah, our ancestor. William remarried in 1636 to Katherine Franklin (the Widow Gedney). They emigrated to New England by 1637, accompanied by the three children of his first marriage William, Thomas and Sarah, and at least two of Katherine's children by her first marriage, Robert and Rebecca Prince.
In 1645 William was an innkeeper and proprietor of "The Ship's Tavern" in Salem, Massachusetts. He was quite a wealthy man, a property owner and an officer in Salem's military company. He probably enjoyed a relatively superior social position as he is described several times as "Mr. Clarke." in the Salem Town records. William died suddenly in the summer of 1647, he could have been a victim of an "epidemical sickness" that had smitten Salem residents in June of that year. He left a large and extesnive estate including a 200-acre farm, two houses, part ownership of two ships, 1500 lbs of tobacco, 3 hogsheds of sugar, 40 lbs of ginger and other food, and all the furnishings in the tavern. His widow Katherine received a license to continue to manage the tavern business.
We are descended through the Wright (Tucker) side. |
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 | Innkeepers & Tavern Owning Ancestors (1)
In colonial America, taverns, public houses, and inns were more than mere establishments for lodging and refreshment; they were vital social and economic centers that played a significant role in the fabric of early American society. The ancestors who owned and operated these venues were key figures in their communities, providing essential services and facilitating important social interactions.
As the social hubs of their communities, these establishments offered a space for diverse groups - from local farmers to traveling merchants - to gather, exchange news, and engage in lively debates. They were the communal living rooms of the era, where relationships were formed and strengthened. In an age before widespread literacy and mass communication, taverns and inns served as crucial channels for the dissemination of news and information, including political and economic developments.
Economically, taverns and public houses were cornerstones of colonial commerce. They functioned not only as places of rest and sustenance for travelers but also as venues for business transactions and trade negotiations. Politically, they played an understated yet critical role. In the turbulent times leading up to the American Revolution, these establishments often became hotbeds of political discussion and activity, laying the groundwork for the democratic ideals that would shape the nation. |
 | Founding Families of Salem (1)
Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1600s, was a period marked by its founding, development, and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Established in 1626 by a group of fishermen from Cape Ann led by Roger Conant, Salem is one of the most significant early settlements in New England. Originally named Naumkeag, it was soon renamed Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace.
In 1628, a group led by John Endecott arrived, sent by the Massachusetts Bay Company, which significantly boosted the settlement's growth. Endecott, often considered the first governor of Massachusetts, played a crucial role in the early development of Salem. The town quickly became an important port and trading center, known for its fishing, shipbuilding, and commerce.
The Puritan influence was strong in Salem, shaping much of its society and governance. The community was deeply religious, with strict adherence to Puritan beliefs and practices. This religious fervor, combined with social tensions, economic stresses, and fears of the unknown, set the stage for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.
By the end of the 1600s, Salem had begun to move past the Witch Trials. It continued to grow as a significant seaport, laying the foundation for its evolution into a major American city. The legacy of this era, particularly the Witch Trials, remains a critical part of Salem's identity and continues to attract interest and study. |
 | 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. |
Abt 1586 - 1647 (61 years)
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