GENERATION 12

GENERATION 11

Biography

The name "Wilmarth" dates far back into history, before the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was written in early English records as Wyllimot, then as Wylmot, and later as Wilmot. Its possible French origin was "Guillemot" (derived from "Guillaume" meaning William, thus the "ot" termination introduced by the Normans). It finally became "Wilimot" in England, and today in America is "Wilmarth'"

THOMAS WILMOT was in old Braintree, Middlesex, MA, as early as 1638. In 1643, a company was formed by Rev. Samuel Newman and his congregation to establish a new settlement in their vicinity. They purchased a large tract of land from Massasoit, the Indian Sachem of Pokanoket, East Providence, Providence, RI. The area includes what is now Rehoboth, Seekonk, Pawtucket, East Providence and part of Swansea (then known as Wannamoisett), bordering Narragansett Bay.

In the spring of the following year, members of the Newman company moved to the place called by the Indians, "Seacunke", and there they commenced their settlement of the "Rehoboth Purchase". The company sold rights, not lots, and settlers from the outlying places were permitted to join the company by paying their share of the purchase rights. This plan was adopted to protect the Indians against speculators. Original shareholders, however, were allowewd to sell their rights to each other. Thus, in 1643, Lot No. 33, drawn by Isaack Martin, became the property of THOMAS WILMOT, who paid £50 for it.

The Rehoboth Purchase, with many additions, increased in size until it was found to be within the limits of Plymouth Colony. It had begun as an independent settlement, but on Jun. 4, 1645, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Plymouth Colony, and incorporated as a township by the Scripural name "Rehoboth." The name THOMAS WILMOT, Sr. appears in the original list of land owners.

THOMAS and his family were still living in Braintree as late as 1647, at which time they moved to Rehoboth. In 1657, his name was recorded as THOMAS WILMARTH. (Early Rehoboth, vol. I, p. 127) On Jun. 22, 1658, THOMAS WILMOTH is recorded No. 13 among those who drew lots for "the meadows that lie on the north side of the town." (Hurd's History of Bristol Co., Mass.; VR Rehoboth, p. 914; Bliss' History of Rehoboth, p. 49)

The meadows north of town were so desirable that the Rehoboth inhabitants in 1661 employed Capt. Thomas Willett, who was on friendly terms with the Indians, to purchase the area for them. The purchase was made through the Indian Chief Wamsutta (son of Massasoit), who died a year afterward. Thus, came into being the "North Purchase", which in 1694 was incorporated as Attleborough.

On Apr. 10, 1666, THOMAS WILMARTH had purchased two shares of this land "on the north side of Rehoboth", and in 1672 his name was recorded for two shares -- one he bought of Jo Carpenter and one of his own." In 1670, he was listed with the earliest taxpayers. (Bliss, p. 127; Early Rehoboth, pp. 39,41)

Then came the year 1676, when the Narragansett Indians were waging murderous warfare with the settlers at Rehoboth. ELIZABETH was killed in February of that year, and two sons, Nathaniel and Daniel, were killed in November.

THOMAS married second, Jan. 27, 1678, Rachel Read, widow of his friend, John Read, Jr. John Read was killed by Indians Mar. 26, 1696. Rachel was buried Nov. 12, 1710, at Rehoboth.