Ashley, Robert

Robert ASHLEY (1610 - 1682) and Mary EDDY (? - 1683)

my 9g-grandparents

8g – David ASHLEY (1642 – 1718)
7g – Rebecca ASHLEY (1685 - ?)
6g – Mabel DEWEY (1718 – 1760)
5g – Sarah HUBBELL (1742 – 1763)
4g – Nathniel LEE (1764 – 1845)
3g – Sara LEE (1803 – 1888)
2g – Festus EATON (1829 – 1909)
1g – George W EATON (1870 – 1928)
Dora EATON (1905 – 1970)
Private
Gary Lee GAPINSKI (1956 – )

Robert ASHLEY was an early settler in Springfield, appearing in the records on 13 Jan 1638/39, when he contributed to the funds for the minister's residence and maintenance. The sum of £40 was needed, and Robert contributed £1 and 16s, being the 5th largest contributor. So he was in Springfield in 1638, an adult, hence born before 1620, and probably closer to 1610. He died on 29 Nov 1682, in West Springfield, MA.

Springfield was first settled by the English in 1636, so my 9g-grandfathers, Robert ASHLEY and John LEONARD, were among the earliest settlers. (Both are 4g-grandfathers of my 3g-grandmother, Sara (LEE) EATON.) See the John LEONARD page.

Robert was granted a home lot in Springfield on 5 Jan 1640/41. It was a narrow strip between Main Street and the Connecticut River, of width 8 rods (132 feet), because he was single, "situated between Widow Searle and John Dibble." [AG, p. 3]

The rule against selling a canoe to outside parties (probably meaning Indians) was passed in Oct 1638, and the 3 men mentioned above were cited for violation on 24 Dec 1640.

Mary

Robert ASHLEY married Mary (EDDY) HORTON, the widow of Thomas HORTON, who had died in the summer of 1640, in Springfield. The marriage was announced on 7 Aug 1641, and Mary signed over all of her property, valued at £47, to Robert. The property consisted of household goods, valued at £17, hogs valued at £18, and the house and lot, at £12. There must have been a large number of hogs!

Mary EDDY and Thomas HORTON had been married in England, and emigrated on the Mary & John in 1632-3. They first settled in Windsor, CT where their son Jeremiah was born. They removed to Springfield in 1636, where they were among the founders of the English settlement there. Thomas was witness and signer of the Indian Deed, was town officer and proprietor. He was born about 1602.

Most researchers seem to agree that Thomas left Mary with 3 sons: Jeremiah (1636), Thomas Jr (1638) and John (1640). However, the records of 7 Aug 1741 refer to "her two sonns one sucking and the other about three yeares ould caled Jarmy". [AG, p. 4] So perhaps one had died, but which one? Later records for Springfield are found referring to Jeremiah and Thomas, but not John.

Some researchers have claimed that Mary EDDY was born 10 Mar 1625 in Mowsley, Harborough District, Leicestershire, England, daughter of John EDDY and Amy DOGGETT. In that case, she had her son Jeremiah, about 1636, when she was 10 or 11? I suspect that she was born before 1620.

Mary died on 19 Sep 1683 in West Springfield, less than a year after her husband Robert.

Robert and Mary in Springfield

Robert and Mary had 6 children in Springfield, in addition to Mary's children from her 1st marriage. At least 1 of the 6 died soon after birth, and 1 other doesn't seem to appear in later records. The ones that did survive had a large number of descendants, including President Grover CLEVELAND, President Franklin D. ROOSEVELT, J. P. MORGAN and Clint EASTWOOD!

Robert gradually acquired several more properties in Springfield, on both sides of the Connecticut River. In 1647 he was taxed on 51 acres. The records show details of many transactions involving small parcels of land. [AG, pp. 5-8] The part of Springfield on the west side of the river eventually became West Springfield, where Robert and Mary spent their declining years.

On 3 Nov 1646 Robert ASHLEY and Miles MORGAN were appointed as fence overseers for the town. These were important positions, as they were responsible for determining property boundaries. [AG, p. 11] Robert held many such positions of responsibility in Springfield.

In 1646 Robert ASHLEY was licensed to operate an ordinary (i.e., tavern/restaurant/inn) in Springfield. On 22 Jan 1651/52 he received a grant of 3.5 acres for this purpose, on Mill River (which flows west and empties into the Connecticut River on the south side of Springfield). The license is an indication that Robert and Mary were considered responsible and respectable citizens. [AG, p. 9] On 27 Jun 1655 they were ordered not to sell liquor to Indians. Robert resigned his position as keeper of the ordinary by 31 Dec 1660, when Samuel MARSHFIELD took over. (Samuel MARSHFIELD is also my 8g-grandfather, in another part of my tree.)

Robert was chosen as a Selectman in 1653, and several years thereafter. He was elected as Constable on 7 Feb 1659, and on 5 Mar 1659 as sealer of weights and measures. Although trusted with such official duties, Robert was illiterate, and his "mark" is represented by the Greek letter Γ in [AG, p. 12].

On 30 Mar 1669 Robert presented at court "his desires that by reason of the weakness of his body he may be freed from military exercises". [AG, p. 13]

Robert was highly religious, and took an active role in the affairs of the church, always paying his share.

Robert wrote a will, dated 9 Oct 1679, in which he names his wife Mary, and sons David, Jonathan, Joseph, and John ROOT (son-in-law). He died on 29 Nov 1682 in West Springfield. His estate, inventoried on 24 Mar 1682/83, was valued at £492 and change, a considerable sum, considering that cows were valued at £4 each, and horses £3 each. [AG, pp. 16-7]

1 Mary EDDY d: 19 Sep 1683 in West Springfield

+ Thomas HORTON b: 1602 in England, m: 1632 in England, d: 1640 in Springfield
......2 Jeremiah HORTON b: 1636 in Windsor, CT, d: 18 Aug 1682
......2 Thomas HORTON b: 1640 in Springfield
...... + Sarah HARMON b: 1652 in MA, m: 1668 in MA

+ Robert ASHLEY m: 07 Aug 1641, d: 29 Nov 1682 in West Springfield
......2 David ASHLEY b: 03 Jun 1642 in Springfield, d: 08 Dec 1718 in Westfield
...... + Hannah GLOVER b: 1646, m: 24 Nov 1663 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, d: 1722 in Westfield
......2 (daughter) ASHLEY b: 03 Jun 1642 in Springfield, d: Jun 1642 in Springfield; died soon after birth
......2 Mary ASHLEY b: 06 Feb 1644 in Springfield, d: 09 Mar 1702
...... + John ROOT b: 1642, m: 18 Oct 1664, d: 24 Sep 1687
......2 Jonathan ASHLEY b: 25 Feb 1645/46 in Springfield, d: Feb 1704/05 in Hartford, CT
...... + Sarah WADSWORTH bapt. 17 Mar 1650 in Hartford, CT, m: 10 Nov 1669 in Springfield
......2 Sarah ASHLEY b: 23 Jun 1648 in Springfield, d: Bef. 1670
......2 Joseph ASHLEY b: 05 May 1652 in Springfield, d: 18 May 1698 in West Springfield
...... + Mary PARSONS b: 27 Jun 1661 in Northampton, MA, m: 16 Oct 1685 in Springfield, d: 23 Aug 1711 in Springfield

Descendants

Jeremiah "Jeremy" HORTON was born about 1636-7, in Windsor, CT or Springfield, MA. He was the 1st child of Thomas HORTON and Mary EDDY, who married in England and came to America in 1632-3. They spent 2 or 3 years in Windsor, and moved to Springfield in 1636, presumably before winter. Jeremiah married twice, and had about 7 children, in Springfield. There are several discrepancies in the records and historical literature.

Birth

[HA, pp. 483-4] tells us that Jeremiah was born in Windsor, CT, in 1636.

[HA, p. 487] says Jeremiah was born 1636 in Windsor, VT on, but that is a misprint, as [HA] says in several places that they were in Windsor, CT.

[HA, p. 488] says he was born 1636 in Springfield, MA.

[HA, p. 490] quoting Dr. F. E. CALDWELL, also says he was born in 1636, Springfield, MA.

[AG, p. 4] contains a document related to the 2nd marriage of Jeremiah's mother, dated 7 Aug 1641. It tells us that "Jarmy" was 3 years of age, which implies that he was born between 8 Aug 1637 and 7 Aug 1638.

1st Wife

[HA, pp. 488, 490] tells us that Jeremiah was married twice, but doesn't give the name of the 1st wife, or any children by her.

[HS, Vol. II, p. 592] calls him Jeremy HORTON, and says his 1st wife was Ruth ELY, daughter of Nathaniel ELY. They married on 3 Oct 1661, and had a child, Nathaniel HORTON, born 29 Jun 1662. She died on 12 Oct 1662, leaving Jeremiah with an infant child.

2nd Wife

[HA, p. 488] gives the 2nd wife, Mary WRIGHT, born 1636, and lists 6 children, with birthdates.

[HA, p. 490] quoting Dr. F. E. CALDWELL, gives the 2nd wife, Mary WRIGHT, born 1638 in Windsor, CT, and lists 7 children, with birthdates.

[HS, Vol. II, p. 592] Calls the 2nd wife Mary, and lists 7 of her children, with birthdates and other facts.

The 1st child of Jeremiah by his 2nd wife was born in 1665, according to these 3 sources. So they were married around 1663 or 1664. I think this is the right Mary:

1 Jeremiah HORTON b: 1636 in Windsor, CT, d: 18 Aug 1682 in Springfield, MA, age 46

+ Ruth ELY m: 03 Oct 1661 in Springfield, d: 12 Oct 1662 in Springfield
......2 Nathaniel HORTON b: 29 Jun 1662 in Springfield
...... + Sarah BURT

+ Mary GIBBARD b: 20 Jan 1644 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, m: 05 May 1664 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, d: 15 Oct 1708 in Springfield, age 64
......2 Jeremy HORTON b: 22 Nov 1665 in Springfield
...... + Mary TERRY
......2 Samuel HORTON b: 20 Nov 1667 in Springfield
......2 Thomas HORTON b: 30 Nov 1668 in Springfield
...... + Sarah WARNER
...... + Mercy KILBOURNE (he was her 2nd husband)
......2 Timothy HORTON b: 25 Nov 1670 in Springfield, d: 1740, age 70
......2 John HORTON b: 12 Sep 1672 in Springfield, d: 13 May 1689 in Springfield, age 16
......2 Mary HORTON b: 20 Jul 1674 in Springfield
......2 Benjamin HORTON b: 20 Oct 1682 in Springfield
...... + Mary GLOVER

David ASHLEY was born 3 Jun 1642 in Springfield, and died 8 Dec 1718 in Westfield. He had a twin sister, unnamed, who died soon after birth. They were the 1st children born to Robert ASHLEY. David married on 24 Nov 1663 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, to Hannah GLOVER, born 1646, died 1722 in Westfield. They had 11 children, in Westfield.

David and Hannah were my 8g-grandparents. See the David ASHLEY page.

Mary ASHLEY was born 6 Feb 1644 in Springfield, and died 09 Mar 1702, age 58. She married on 18 Oct 1664, to John ROOT or ROOTE, born about 1642, died 24 Sep 1687. John and Mary moved to Westfield, MA by 1669, and all of their 8 children were born there.

John ROOT was the son of John ROOT, my 9g-grandfather. The ROOT and ASHLEY extended families had several intermarriages. See the John 2800 ROOTE page.

Jonathan ASHLEY was born 25 Feb 1645/46 in Springfield, and died Feb 1704/05 in Hartford, CT, age 58 or 59. He married on 10 Nov 1669 in Springfield to Sarah WADSWORTH, who was baptized 17 Mar 1650 in Hartford, CT. [AG, p. 293 ff.]

Jonathan probably died in early Feb 1704/05, as his will was written 27 Jan and his inventory was dated 28 Feb.

Sarah was the daughter of William WADSWORTH and Elizabeth STONE. She was born before 17 Mar 1650, and was still living on 27 Jan 1704/05, when her husband's will was written.

They had 5 children. At least the first 2 must have been born in Springfield, although [AG, p. 294] says they were all born in Hartford.

In Springfield, Jonathan was chosen constable in 1670 and surveyor of highways in 1672. On 4 May 1674, he was granted 10 acres of upland and swamp "on the brook at the head of the plain above 3 Corner Meadow." A court record seems to show that he was still in Springfield on 28 Mar 1682.

Jonathan moved his family to Hartford, CT, where he became a freeman on 11 Oct 1683. He gradually sold off his property in Springfield, the last one on 8 Jul 1696, which Sarah also signed. Jonathan became a large landowner in Hartford, still having many connections Springfield, and he was a member of the First Congregational Church in both places, just over 20 miles apart. His estate was valued at £1,030.

1 Jonathan ASHLEY b: 25 Feb 1645/46 in Springfield, d: Feb 1704/05 in Hartford
+ Sarah WADSWORTH bapt. 17 Mar 1650 in Hartford, m: 10 Nov 1669 in Springfield
......2 Jonathan ASHLEY b: 23 Aug 1674 in Hartford, d: 07 May 1750 in Hartford
...... + Elizabeth OLCOTT m: 20 May 1703 in Hartford
......2 Joseph ASHLEY b: abt. 1677 in Hartford, d: 29 Mar 1754 in Hartford
...... + Mary MIX m: 28 Dec 1709 in Hartford, d: 23 Jun 1710 in Hartford
...... + Mary STEELE bapt. 20 Mar 1687 in Hartford, m: 02 Dec 1714 in Hartford
......2 Samuel ASHLEY bapt. 26 Feb 1687/88 in Hartford, d: 12 Feb 1771 in Hampton, CT
...... + Elizabeth KINGSBURY b: 16 Oct 1693 in Haverhill, Essex, MA, m: 19 Aug 1717 in Lebanon, CT, d: 21 Aug 1750 in Hampton, CT
......2 Sarah ASHLEY bef. 1687 in Hartford
......2 Rebecca ASHLEY b: aft. 1686 in Hartford (because she was "not yet 18 years old" in her father's will.)

Sarah ASHLEY was born 23 Jun 1648 in Springfield, and probably died before 1670, as there does not seem to be any further record of her.

Joseph ASHLEY was born 05 May 1652 in Springfield, and died 18 May 1698 in West Springfield. He married on 16 Oct 1685 in Springfield, to Mary PARSONS, born 27 Jun 1661 in Northampton, MA, died 23 Aug 1711 in Springfield.

Joseph and Mary had 5 children, and lived in the part of Springfield on the west side of the Connecticut River, which later became West Springfield. He served as constable at times, and appeared as attorney is a few court cases.

Mary PARSONS was the daughter of Joseph PARSONS, one of the wealthiest men in Springfield and Northampton, and Mary BLISS, who was put on trial several times, on charges of witchcraft. She was acquitted each time, but the acrimonious relationships with several neighbors lasted many years.

A few months before his marriage to Mary PARSONS, Joseph ASHLEY had an intimate relationship with Deborah MILLER, a daughter of Thomas MILLER and Sarah MARSHFIELD. A child was born from this union, on 16 Apr 1686, named Jabez MILLER, but he later was called Jabez ASHLEY. A court ordered Joseph to pay child support in the amount of 2s 6d per week until Jabez was 5 years of age, at which time he was to pay £5 towards apprenticing him to some trade.

After Joseph died, Mary married Joseph WILLISTON of Springfield.

1 Mary PARSONS b: 27 Jun 1661 in Northampton, MA, d: 23 Aug 1711 in Springfield, age 50

+ Joseph ASHLEY b: 06 Jul 1652 in Springfield, m: 16 Oct 1685 in Springfield, d: 18 May 1698 in West Springfield, age 45
......2 Joseph ASHLEY b: 27 Jul 1686 in West Springfield, d: 12 May 1720 in West Springfield, age 33
...... + Martha LEONARD b: 23 Oct 1695 in West Springfield, m: 18 Feb 1715/16 in Springfield, age 20
......2 Ebenezer ASHLEY b: Abt. 1688 in West Springfield, d: May 1742 in West Springfield, age 53 or 54
...... + Sarah MILLER b: 21 Sep 1688 in West Springfield, m: 30 Nov 1727 in West Springfield, d: 20 Feb 1747 in West Springfield, age 58
......2 Mary ASHLEY b: 04 Feb 1692 in West Springfield, d: 22 Nov 1757, age 65
...... + William PARSONS b: 18 Nov 1690, m: 02 Feb 1713/14, d: 07 Aug 1768, age 77
......2 Abigail ASHLEY b: 13 Jul 1695 in West Springfield
...... + Ebenezer MORGAN m: 08 Jun 1720
......2 Benjamin ASHLEY b: 20 Feb 1697 in West Springfield, d: 11 May 1772 in West Springfield, age 75
...... + Jane SHAW b: 1701 in Ireland, m: 31 Dec 1726 in West Springfield, d: 25 Dec 1788 in West Springfield, age 87

+ Joseph WILLISTON b: 1667 in Windsor, Hartford, CT, m: 02 Mar 1698/99 in Springfield, d: 10 Nov 1747 in Springfield, age 79-80
......2 Joseph WILLISTON b: 28 Dec 1700 in Springfield, d: 21 Aug 1747 in Springfield, age 46
...... + Hannah STEBBINS b: 17 Aug 1706 in Springfield, m: 23 Jan 1727, d: 19 Mar 1762 in Springfield, age 55
......2 Nathaniel WILLISTON b: 28 Jan 1707 in Springfield, d: 18 Jul 1748, age 41
...... + Miriam STEBBINS b: 08 Oct 1707 in Springfield

Mary ASHLEY married her 1st cousin, William PARSONS. They shared grandparents Joseph PARSONS and Mary BLISS.

Sources

[AG] The Ashley genealogy. A history of the descendants of Robert Ashley of Springfield, Massachusetts (1896) by Francis Bacon Trowbridge

[DA] Settler & Leader in a New Colonial Town — David Ashley

[HA] The Hortons in America; being a correct reprint of the 1876 work by Dr. Geo. F. Horton, with many succeeding generations brought down to the present time. With the history and some lines of the posterity of Thomas Horton, the Springfield, Mass., immigrant, 1636. And also a line of the posterity of Levi Horton, a descendant of Jeremy Horton, the sea captain (1929) by George Firman Horton

[HS] The first century of the history of Springfield; the official records from 1636 to 1736, with an historical review and biographical mention of the founders (1898) by Henry Martyn Burt Vol I Vol II

[STC] Springfield, 1636-1886 : history of town and city, including an account of the quarter-millennial celebration at Springfield, Mass., May 25 and 26, 1886 by, Mason Arnold Green

Last updated 2 Sep 2022 by William Haloupek. Contact haloupek at gmail dot com.