This is one of the oldest New Eng- BICKFORD land families which has been located from the beginning within the limits of New Hampshire, and has been honorably identified with the progress of the state in its material and moral development from shortly after the first settlement to the present time.

(I) John Bickford, born in England, was living at Oyster River, in Dover, New Hampshire, as early as July 17, 1645, on which day "Darbey Field of Oyster River, in the River of Piscataquay, county of Norfolk, planter," sold John Bickford his dwelling house at Oyster "River, then "in the tenure of the said Bickford," with a lot of five or six acres adjoining on the land towards the creek on the side towards Little Bay, except the strip on said creek in possession of Thomas Willey. On June 23, 1684, John Bickford, with the consent of his "wife Temperance," conveyed to his son, Thomas, "all his house lands lying at ye poynt of Oyster River." After selling or rather presenting this land to his son, John Bickford went to New- ington Shore, where he owned several tracts of land, one near Bloody Point, one at Fox Point and the third one along the point where he established himself. His children and grandchildren intermarried with the chief families of Newington, Harrisons, Dowings, Knights, Pickerins, Coes, Ftirbers and others. His wife's name of Temperance was perpetuated by her descendants through many generations. They were probably the parents of John Bickford, who is mentioned at length in this article.

(II) Captain Thomas, son of John and Temperance Bickford, was born 1656, in Dover, and lived and died in that town.

(III) Joseph Bickford was born 1696, in Dover, and lived and died in that town, where he was a farmer. He married Alice Edgerly.