GENERATION 10

GENERATION 9

Biography

Coronet JAMES PECKER was an "innholder" in Haverhill. He gave the oath of allegiance there on Nov. 28, 1677. He and his wife, ANN, were members of the first Haverhill church.

At a town meeting held in July, 1720, ANN PACKER petitioned to build a small pew in the meeting house, "as through my infirmity and weakness, by reason of my age, I cannot sit comfortably in the meeting house, during the time of devine service, the seat being so narrow." Her request was granted.

JAMES died in 1748. His will was administered by his grandson, John, on Dec. 17, 1748.

James was married twice and widowed both times. He had several children and was a wharfinger from Boston. James married for the third time, Bridget (Bosworth) Papillion, widow of John Papillion, brother of James' good friend, Peter Papillion, Jr. That marriage took place in Bristol, MA, on Nov. 29, 1722. Eleven years later Peter Jr. died, and James became the guardian of Peter's daughter Rebecca, a minor. When James died on April 28, 1734, Bridget was left half his estate. Bridget, along with James' brothers, JOHN and Daniel, were named executors. JOHN was living in Haverhill at the time. New England Historical and Genealogical Register (Vol 124, p. 174, 1970)

According to the New England Historical and Genealogical Register (Vol 6, p. 376, 1852), "Capt. James Pecker was a physician in Boston, became a member of the A. and H. Artillery Co. in 1718; one of the founders of the New Brick Church; died in Boston, after a lingering illness, 30 Ap. 1734, much lamented. He was a member of the Old South Church. His gravestone is in the Chapel Burying Ground."

Daniel pecker and his wife Elizabeth are both buried in the Granary Burial Ground on Tremont Street in Boston. Their gravestones are identified as Nos. 1476 and 1477. Like his brother, James, Daniel was a founder of the New Brick Church in Boston.