M. (1) before 9 Jan 1657 in (probably) Concord, Massachusetts1
Wife: Sarah ________
M. (2) 11 Jun 1660 in (probably) Massachusetts1
Wife: Susanna ________
D. 21 Oct 1708 in Concord, Massachusetts1
Thomas Dakin was one of many New England Puritan immigrants with a mostly unknown story, but he left a detailed will that revealed a preference for one son. Thomas was said to be born in Derbyshire, England in May 1634,1 and he first appeared in records as a landowner in Concord, Massachusetts in 1652.1 He lived in a section near a place called “Flint’s Pond,” an area that later became the town of Sudbury.
Thomas' signature on a 1653 document pledging to pay £5 to support Harvard College.
Before January 9, 1657, Thomas married a woman named Sarah, whose last name was unknown.1 She gave birth to a child in October 1659, then died 10 days later.1 On June 11, 1660, he married Susanna, the widow of Richard Stratton,1 and she brought a young son into the marriage. Together, they had four children, with the youngest born in 1671.
There’s no evidence that Thomas served in the leadership of Concord, although he did take on the job of constable for a time. Mostly he seems to have raised his family and tended his farm. By his old age and with his second wife deceased, he focused on what property to leave to his children. On January 20, 1698, he made out his will,1 and in doing so, showed a preference for one son over the others. While the oldest daughter was to receive £10 plus a couple of personal items, and the oldest son £15 plus some less valuable land, his youngest son Joseph was named as “full heir” to the rest of the estate. His middle son Simon was left nothing (his other child, a daughter, was no longer living).
What was unusual about Thomas’ will was that he gave explanations for favoring one child over the others. Regarding Joseph, he wrote, “The reason why I give to my son Joseph Dakin so much is for the comfort of my life and my wife's life. Therefore I charge you, all my children, to rest in it, and live in peace that the God of peace may be to you.”
As for Simon, Thomas complained, “He went from me, and would not stay with me. I have given him what I have Intended and no more to be demanded out of my estate.” This odd note was likely in reference to his displeasure with Simon joining a group who tried to start a new Puritan colony miles away in present-day South Carolina.1 Under the leadership of a minister named Joseph Lord, a small number of settlers including Simon sailed out of Boston on December 5, 1695. They landed a couple weeks later at their destination, but the little colony failed within about five years. Simon returned to Massachusetts and lived out his life there.
Thomas passed away on October 21, 1708 at the age of 84,1 but his 1698 will was never probated. It's been speculated that this was because his second wife died before he did, and that he distributed his property before his death. Among his descendants are Tennessee Williams, Carole Lombard and Ethan Hawke.2
Children by Sarah:
1. Sarah Dakin — B. 8 Oct 1659, Concord, Massachusetts;3 D. 24 Feb 1748, Sudbury, Massachusetts;4 M. Abraham Wood (~1656-1747), before 16 Apr 1684, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts5
Children by Susanna:
1. John Dakin — B. 20 Mar 1661, Concord, Massachusetts;6 D. before 12 Sep 1711, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts;7 M. Sarah Woodhouse (1664-1700), before 17 Sep 1686, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts8
2. Simon Dakin — B. about 1663, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts;9 D. 11 Jan 1740, Concord, Massachusetts;9 M. Elizabeth Brooks (1672-?), before 20 May 1694, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts10
3. Joseph Dakin — B. about 1669, (probably) Concord, Massachusetts;11 D. 13 Mar 1745, Concord, Massachusetts;11 M. Dorothy Worcester, 16 Jul 1696, Massachusetts1
4. Mary Dakin — B. 16 May 1671, Concord, Massachusetts12
Sources:
1 Descendants of Thomas Dakin of Concord MA, Albert Dakin, 1948
2 FamousKin.com listing for Thomas Dakin
3 Birth record of Sarah Dakin, Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915, FamilySearch.com
4 Find-a-Grave listing for Sarah Dakin Wood
5 Birth record of Abraham Wood, M. B. & C.
6 Birth record of John Dakin, M. B. & C.
7 Probate file of John Dakin, Massachusetts Probate Index, 1648-1870, Ancestry.com
8 Birth record of Henry Dakin, M. B. & C.
9 Find-a-Grave listing for Simon Dakin
10 Birth record of Elizabeth Dakin, M. B. & C.
11 Find-a-Grave listing for Joseph Dakin
12 Birth record of Mary Dakin, M. B. & C.
