Re: Relatives of Robert Sprout
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In reply to:
Relatives of Robert Sprout
Donald Sprout 1/30/99
Am new to the Sprout genforum, obviously -- since your inquiry goes back a few years. I have some information that you might find helpful. Robert Sprout came to New England around 1635-40. He imigrated from Scotland and worked to pay his passage. (His father Henry was from Kelfield, England.)Settled in Scituate MA. Married Elizabeth Samson. Three sons, five daughters: Robert, James, Ebenezer, Mercy, Elizabeth, Mary, Anne, and Hannah. In 1652 Robert was appointed to care for a widow of one of the pioneers who had been left destitute by the sudden death of her husband. Moved to Nemasket (Middleborough), bought land and built his first home of hewn logs. June 30, 1672-one of 12 men to purchase a tract of land on the east side of Assawampaett Pond (known as the Twelve Men's Purchase). In 1675 41 men bought what is called "Sixteen Shilling Purchase." Robert was one of the purchasers. This land comprises what is now Lakeville MA. 1675-King Phillip's War forced the residents to escape to Plymouth. Indians set fire to the village and it was entirely destroyed, with all records. Rebuilding started in 1667. Robert served in the Canadian Expedition of 1690 at the taking of Port Royal and the attempt upon Quebec. It was reported at the time that he had been killed in action. This was incorrect. He returned to Middleboro and lived there until his death in 1712. Nathaniel Sprout II (Jr.): was the grandson of James Sprout and Elizabeth Southworth, son of Nathaniel Sr. and Esther Thrasher. Jr. married Azuba Cummings in Greenwich, MA. Jr. was a soldier in the Revolution. From 1782-1798 Jr. and Azuba were selling off their land in Hardwick, apparently planning to head west. At a time not recorded in history, but approximately 1800-1803, the left Hardwick for an unknown destination. We don't know if they moved several times on their way west, or stayed in one place, but at some time during the three years Nathaniel Sr. and Esther passed away. The travelers consisted of Nathaniel Sr. and Esther; Nathaniel Jr. and Azuba, and three or more of their children (it is known that Nathaniel III was one of the children to go). Jr. and III bought tract 10 in what later became the township of Attica, NY. I hope I have helped you. Leave message with any questions.