GENERATION 11

GENERATION 10

Biography

WILLIAM COGGSWELL was born in March, 1618/19, in Westbury Heights, Wiltshire, England. He came to this country with his family at age 16. His family settled in Chebacco Parish, Ipswich, Essex, MA, and he continued to live there and raise his family there. He was a leading citizen, moderator, and selectman.

WILLIAM possessed many of the traits of his father. He was a man of Christian character, and one of the most influential citizens in that part of Ipswich. It was largely by his efforts that the Gospel ministry was established in Chebacco. The first meeting for consultation on this subject was held at his house Feb. 1676/77, and a petition to the town was the result, asking the "liberty to call a minister to preach among themselves." This not being granted, WILLIAM was chosen chairman of a committee of three to confer with the selectmen in regard to this matter. After two years of opposition, several appeals to the General Court, and determination to accomplish this end, at last, May 5, 1679, the Parish of Chebacco was established. He gave the land for the first meeting house site, a lot thirteen rods by three.

This first meeting-house in Chebacco stood on what was long known as Meeting-house Hill. The site in 1868 was occupied by the residence of Capt. Joseph Choate. The meeting-house was dedicated April, 1680. WILLIAM hosted at his house the Ecclesiastical Council, that met Aug. 12, 1683, to organize the church and ordain Mr. John Wise, their first pastor.

In 1693, the parish committee on the assignment of seats at the meeting-house, gave SUSANNA a seat with the minister's wife, which was significant of her respectability.

WILLIAM and SUSANNA are the great-great-grandparents of President John Adams and the great-great-great-grandparents of President John Quincy Adams, through their daughter Susanna, and her husband Benjamin White.