M. 6 Sep 1623 in Epping, Essex, England
Wife: Martha Stooke
D. 24 Dec 1671 in Dorchester, Massachusetts
The town of Dorchester, Massachusetts, with its proximity to Boston, was an important settlement in the Massachusetts colony. And Puritan men like George Minot played a significant role in its earliest years.
George was born August 4, 1594 in Saffron Walden into a family that traced back many generations in Essex, England. There is some dispute as to who his father was. One source claims George was the oldest son of John Minot, who was married to a woman named Anne; another says his father was named Thomas. Neither researcher cites an original record that would prove the information.
On September 6, 1623, George married Martha Stooke (also spelled Stocke) in the town of Epping. They settled in Saffron Walden, and between 1624 and 1628, three children were born, all boys; the oldest died before his second birthday. Puritanism was popular in Essex, and at some point George became a non-conformist. He made a decision to take his family to America at about the time of the Winthrop fleet; some have said the Minots sailed on the Mary and John in 1630, but it’s more likely they were on a different ship, and maybe a year later.
George settled in the new town of Dorchester, and he took on a strong civic role. He was admitted as a freeman on April 1, 1634, and on October 28th of that year, he was chosen to be one of ten men to "order the affairs of Dorchester plantation." In the spring of 1636, he was one of the representatives to the General Court in Boston, where men met to decide issues that affected the entire colony. George was also one of seven who signed the Dorchester Covenant on August 23, 1636, and he became a ruling elder, serving for over 30 years.
Two more sons were born to George and Martha in 1631 and 1635. Typically when families arrived in a newly settled place, their first home was somewhat rough, so in about 1640, George had a more substantial house built. It was said to be constructed with brick, and covered by a wooden façade. The home was a fixture in Dorchester for over 200 years, until it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1874.
On September 6, 1623, George married Martha Stooke (also spelled Stocke) in the town of Epping. They settled in Saffron Walden, and between 1624 and 1628, three children were born, all boys; the oldest died before his second birthday. Puritanism was popular in Essex, and at some point George became a non-conformist. He made a decision to take his family to America at about the time of the Winthrop fleet; some have said the Minots sailed on the Mary and John in 1630, but it’s more likely they were on a different ship, and maybe a year later.
George settled in the new town of Dorchester, and he took on a strong civic role. He was admitted as a freeman on April 1, 1634, and on October 28th of that year, he was chosen to be one of ten men to "order the affairs of Dorchester plantation." In the spring of 1636, he was one of the representatives to the General Court in Boston, where men met to decide issues that affected the entire colony. George was also one of seven who signed the Dorchester Covenant on August 23, 1636, and he became a ruling elder, serving for over 30 years.
Two more sons were born to George and Martha in 1631 and 1635. Typically when families arrived in a newly settled place, their first home was somewhat rough, so in about 1640, George had a more substantial house built. It was said to be constructed with brick, and covered by a wooden façade. The home was a fixture in Dorchester for over 200 years, until it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1874.
George's house in Dorchester.
George's wife Martha died December 23, 1657, and George himself passed away on December 24, 1671. It was written that, "His death was much lamented by the town, whose weal he sought and liberties defended." George's estate was valued at over £277. Along with large parcels of land, he left behind such things as “a sea chest and a great white chest with all mine and my wife's apparel and linen and household stuff.” He also left a cradle that was passed down through the family, and today is preserved in the collection of the Old State House in Boston.
Like most Puritans of his generation, George had a few noteworthy descendants. His 5G grandson was Harrison Reed, the governor of Florida, and his 9G grandson was Bill Weld, the governor of Massachusetts. Another descendant was General Billy Mitchell, "father" of the U.S. Air Force. And one of his male-line descendants, railroad executive Henry Minot, gave his name to the town of Minot, North Dakota.
Children:
1. George Minot — B. 11 Jul 1624, Saffron Walden, England; D. about 19 May 1626, Saffron Walden, England
2. John Minot — B. 2 Apr 1626, Saffron Walden, England; D. 12 Aug 1669, Dorchester, Massachusetts; M. (1) Lydia Butler (~1629-1667), 19 May 1647; (2) Mary Dassett (1630-~1677)
3. James Minot — B. 31 Dec 1628, Saffron Walden, England, D. 30 Mar 1676, Dorchester, Massachusetts; M. (1) Hannah Stoughton (1637-1670); (2) Hephzibah Corlett (1650-1691)
4. Stephen Minot — B. about 2 May 1631, (probably) Dorchester, Massachusetts; D. 16 Feb 1672, Dorchester, Massachusetts; M. Truecross Davenport (1634-1692), 10 Nov 1654
5. Samuel Minot — B. about 18 Dec 1635, Dorchester, Massachusetts; D. 18 Dec 1690; M. Hannah Howard (1643-?), 23 Jun 1670
Sources:
Genealogical and family history of the state of New Hampshire, Vol. 2, Lewis Publishing Company, 1908
"Minot Family," Lemuel Shattuck, Esq., The Pilgrims of Boston and their descendants, 1856
WikiTree
FamousKin.com (website)
