GENERATION 11

GENERATION 10

Biography

ROBERT STETSON, commonly known in later records as Cornet Robert, probably came to America from Kent, England, although the precise date of landing is buried in mystery. However, he was one of the early settlers of Scituate and in 1634 received from the colony court an extensive grant of land on the North river, which constituted his farm.

Mr. Deane, who wrote "The History of Scituate", states that Rev. John Lothrop was the first regular minister of Scituate, and he arrived with about 30 of his people on the ship Griffin in 1634. ROBERT arrived the same year and received a grant adjoining that of Mr. Lothrop. It is reasonable to assume he was a member of Mr. Lothrop's company.

ROBERT is first mentioned in Scituate records in 1634. He was the earliest settler in the south part of the town known as Norwell, and built the first mill there in 1656. The town of Scituate offered certain inducements, such as free timber, to anyone who would build a mill on Third Herring Brook. Although others are mentioned as being associated with Cornet STETSON, he is credited as the principal factor in the enterprise. Even to this day, "Cornet's Old Pond", "Cornet's Mill", and "Cornet's Dam" are familiar localities.

His title was acquired on account of his being cornet of the first company of horse which was raised in Plymouth Colony, in 1658-59. In 1659, the town records tell that Capt. William Bradford, Lieut. John Freeman and Cornet Robert Stetson were confirmed by the court to be commissioned officers of the troop of horse. During the twenty succeeding years, which included the period of King Philip's war and other Indian troubles, Cornet Robert Stetson proved himself a brave and useful officer. In 1665, he received from the Colony a grant of 200 acres of land for his services in settling difficulties with the Indians at Kennebeck Plantation and during King Philip's War, although well past his sixtieth year, he not only led his "Squadron of Troopers", but was chosen "Town Councell" and "Agent for the town", to provide clothing, food, ammunition, etc. "for the soulgers" and he was, with General Cudworth, chosen "Press Master" during that time.

In the year 1661 he was chosen a member of the council of war and still held that office as late as 1681. He was one of the prominent men of Plymouth Colony. In 1662, Cornet Stetson sold one-third of the mill to Joseph Tilden.

Cornet STETSON also built the earliest mill in what is now the town of Hanover at "Drinkwater", near the Indian Head River, before 1673, probably in 1656, when he received the first grant from the Colony on that river.

Life in Scituate was sometimes nightmarish in the times of ROBERT. The farmhouses were scattered and distant from their nearest neighbor. The houses were surrounded by forest trees, which provided perfect hiding places for the savage Indians. There was no knowing at what moment of day or night painted Indians might steal forth from the forest shadows and attack. Cornet STETSON was often torn between leaving home to join with other neighbors in amassing an attack against the Indians, or stay at home to protect his own family.

In 1681, HONOUR died, and ROBERT married Mary Hyland, widow of John Bryant. He lived out the rest of his life in Scituate. His estate was relatively small as he had previuosly given each son a large and valuable farm. His final will was dated Sep. 4, 1702. He died the following February 1.