Essex Institute, Historical Collections

Research continues to learn more of the origins of Thomas and Margaret. This post looks at one of these sources that dates to the middle of the 1800s.

Vol. I

So far, in terms of earlier writers, we have heard from Rev Hubbard (his manuscript is from the 1680s), Joseph B. Felt, John Farmer, James Savage, George D. Phippen (more below), Benjamin Peirce, and more. Then, later in the 1900s, we have Dr. Frank who published via Salem Press and Anderson of the Great Migration effort.

Phippen's first article appeared in Volume I of the Historical Collections of the Essex Institute. The Historical Collections published until 1993. There is an index available at Hathi Trust. One can view the full index on-line through 1922.

As we look at The Massachusetts Magazine, we will compare articles with what is in the Historical Collections. Dr. Frank had material printed there, too.

Excerpts from Phippen's talk

The first part of Phippen's article was read at the Essex Institute on March 25, 1858. There were two more sessions, all of which appeared in Volume I. The title of his talk was: The "Old Planters" of Salem, who were settled here before the arrival of Governor Endicott, in 1628. In the first part, Phippen talks about the general topic of the times, earlier plantations, and the Cape Ann effort. He mentions the great house, put up by Thomas in the first year, which was moved to Salem (my take on the story).

Then, Phippen lists the names of fifteen figures. Thomas Gardner is included (#11). Conant, Lyford, Woodbury, and Balch head the list. One wonders why Lyford is mentioned so prominently (he fled).

In the second part, Phippen writes of the planters, starting with Roger Conant. He gets through John Balch. In the third part, he does the rest. See about Thomas Gardner, on page 190. Phippen writes that the Thomas who was the son of Thomas was the husband of Margaret and Damaris. Also, he mentions that there was a George Gardner who was the brother of the older Thomas.

That last has to do with something needing a little attention. Savage wrote of six Thomas Gardners. Two families, with father, son and grandson. One was Salem, the other Roxbury. For Salem, he has the son being the father of the children that we know. For Roxbury, the elder Thomas died here in 1638.

But, Dr. Frank, in his book, said that he saw no evidence of this. However, research at Dorcester has Thomas (the elder) coming over and going back. He died in England in 1633.

So, it's curious. What we need to do is gather and organize, Then,we can try to fill in the pieces. In any case, conjectures abound.

Remarks: Modified: 04/26/2017 

04/26/2017 --