William Carpenter

     William was born in Shalbourne, Berkshire, England. He was christened there on 22 November 1631 in St Michael's & All Angel's Church.¹ He was the son of William Carpenter and Abigail Briant. William married Priscilla Bennett on 5 October 1651 in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts. William and Priscilla had children: John, William, Benjamin Josiah & Priscilla. William's wife, Priscilla, died on 20 October 1663 in Rehoboth leaving him a widower. William married 2nd Miriam Searles on 10 December 1663 in Rehoboth. Willaim and Miriam had children: Nathaniel, Daniel, Noah & Obadiah, Miriam, Hannah & Abigail. William made his will on 10 November 1702 at Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts.

I William Carpenter junior, of the town of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol in the Providence of Massachusetts. . . he provides well for his wife Miriam with land and housing which is to go to Ephriam, if he cares well for his mother during her widowhood. He gives to his eldest son John, William and Benjamin 40 acres each in addition to what he has already been given them. He gives to his sons, Josiah, Nathaniel, Daniel, Noah & Obadiah, lands and other items, personal & moveable, along with what they have already received. His four daughters, Priscilla, Miriam, Hannah and Abigail are each to receive 20 shillings. The youngest to receive a lot of land yet to be laid out. He makes his wife sole Executrix and his two sons, John and Josiah to help his wife manage her executorship.²

William departed this life on Friday, 26 January 1703 in Rehoboth. His will was probated on 20 April 1703. The widow, Miriam, and Rod & Daniel Carpenter were the executors of William's will. Mirriam was appointed to be the administrator of the estate and to see that an inventory was taken and presented to the court.³