John How(e) Sudbury Notes
He was in Sudbury by 1639--and one of the original grantors-- when
he received grant of a house lot, then shared in the three divisions of Sudbury Meadows,
1639-40. Was a petitioner for a grant of Marlboro, 1656, (NEHGR 62:220, Colonial
Records of Marlboro) where he removed 1657. His house was about 1/3 mile NE of
Spring-hill Meeting House. Opened a tavern in 1661. By appointment of the Mass
gov/t, he and Edmund Rice laid out the Framingham lands to Gov Danfort in 1662.
Will dated 24 May; probated 15 June 1680. Hudson's History of Marlboro says the
will, proved 1689, mentions wife Mary, sons Samuel, Isaac, Josiah, Thomas and Eleazer, and
dau. Sarah Ward, Mary Wetherby and John Howe, Jr., a son of son John Deceased. His
property was inventoried at f511. He gave Thomas "the horse he troops on."
Savage: Screen 1032 Vol 2: Children: John, Samuel, Sarah, Mary, Isaac,
Josiah, Mary, Thomas, Daniel, Alexander, Daniel, Eliezer. John was killed by the
Indians in 1676, First Mary died young, First Daniel died young, Alexander died
soon, Daniel died perhaps at birth and may have been twin to Alexander.
Tradition with some substance has the following:
Nellie Palmer George, Ancestors, Bruce Family , 1914: "Marlboro
suffered greatly through all the years of Indian warfare." John How's eldest
son was killed by them in 1671. His grand-daughter, Elizabeth was at her sister's
home assisting her in caring for her infant niece when they were surprised by the Indians
in the home. The Indians seized them both, and later killed the baby. Elizabeth was
held captive for many years in Canada, being ultimately redeemed. She was 17 when
taken captive. She returned home to marry her long awaiting lover, Thomas
Keyes. Her sister, Mrs. Joslyn, and a child two years old were murdered a few miles
from her home. Elizabeth never recovered from the horror and brutality of her
sister's death which she was obliged to witness. Her own life was spared because of the
superstitious regard the Indians had for her beautiful voice, and during her captivity,
she was frequently compelled to 'make sweet sound.' She retained for some time the
customs of the Indians--their posture in sitting and their love for the out of
doors."
