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Thomas BOURNE

Thomas BOURNE

Male Abt 1581 - 1664  (83 years)

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  • Name Thomas BOURNE 
    Birth Abt 1581  England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Also Known As Burne, Bourn 
    Reference Number 17683 
    Reference Number 22573 
    Reference Number 60 
    WWW https://www.WikiTree.com/wiki/Bourne-2  
    Death 11 May 1664  Marshfield, Plymouth Colony Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I109  Gummer
    Last Modified 1 Aug 2024 

    Family Elizabeth UNKNOWN,   b. Abt 1590, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 18 Jul 1660, Marshfield, Plymouth Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 70 years) 
    Marriage 1607  England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. Margaret BOURNE,   b. Abt 1608, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 28 Sep 1683, Marshfield, Plymouth County, Plymouth Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 75 years)
     2. Martha BOURNE,   b. Abt 1614, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Bef 1683, Norwich, New London County, Connecticut Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age < 68 years)
    +3. Elizabeth BOURNE,   b. Abt 1615, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 12 Dec 1663, Marshfield, Plymouth Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 48 years)
     4. Ann BOURNE,   b. Abt 1616, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. Aft 12 Jan 1684, Norwich, New London County, Connecticut Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age > 68 years)
     5. John BOURNE,   b. Abt 1618, England Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 8 Dec 1684, Marshfield, Plymouth Colony Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 66 years)
    Family ID F32  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 1 Aug 2024 

  • Photos

    Bourne-881 and Bourne-2 appear to represent the same person because: This looks like the same person.

  • Notes 
    • {{Puritan Great Migration|GMD||36}}
      ==Biography==
      === Date of Birth ===Marshfield town records state that Thomas Bourne died and was buried on May 11, 1664, at the age of 83. From this record, it is estimated that he was probably born about 1581.

      === Origins ===The origins of Thomas Bourne have not been established. There were a large number of men named Thomas Bourne in England around the appropriate time, and evidence has not yet been found that clearly identifies a most probable one. Robert C. Anderson's ''Great Migration Directory'' states that his origins are "unknown".

      ==== Disproven Origin - Thomas, Son of Bartholomew Bourne ====The Find-A-Grave page for Thomas and the Pane-Joyce Genealogy (as well as a significant number of family trees) state that Thomas Bourne of Marshfield was the Thomas Bourne who was the son of a [[Bourne-1762|Bartholomew Bourne of London]]. The origin of this theory was probably the January 1873 NEHGR article "Rear Admiral Nehemiah Bourne" and the January 1897 NEHGR article "Genealogical Gleanings in England," which both contain summaries of the 1609 will of [[Bourne-1760|John Bourne, citizen and baker of London]], which includes a bequest to Thomas and Maudlin Bourne, the children of son Bartholomew. The problem with identifying Thomas, son of Bartholomew, as the same person as Thomas Bourne of Marshfield is that (i) there is no evidence connecting the two and (ii) as discussed in [[Bourne-1061|the profile for Thomas, son of Bartholomew]], it highly likely that he was born sometime in 1597-1608, most likely about 1605, and certainly much too late to have been Thomas of Marshfield, born about 1581.

      ==== Possible Origins ====
      Possible origin candidates for Thomas Bourne of Marshfield include:* Thomas Bourne, son of Francis Bourne of Sharested, Kent and Elizabeth Austen of Tenterden, Kent, who appears in the Kent Pedigrees - Probably appropriate time frame* Thomas Borne, son of Matthew Borne of Hincksell, Kent, who appears in the Visitation of London - Probably appropriate time frame* Thomas Bourne, master woolen draper in Southampton/Hampshire in 1630s - A draper, connection to Barker and Bulkley which are also names associated with Marshfield* Thomas Bourne, bpt. February 1585 in Impington, Cambridge, England, son of Thomas - Baptismal record in appropriate time period.* Thomas Bourne, bpt. January 1584 in Hadlow, Kent, son of John - Baptismal record in appropriate time period, Kent origin, name of father matches that of Thomas's son* Thomas Burne, bpt. October 1585 in Donington on Bain, Lincoln, England - Baptismal record in appropriate time period, same surname spelling as that originally used by Thomas in Plymouth/Marshfield* Thomas Bearne, bpt. August 1586 in Rushton, Northampton, England, son of Matthew - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Borne, bpt. October 1586 in Little Baddow, Essex, England, son of Richard - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Borne, bpt. August 1585 in Horsham, Sussex, England, son of Thomas - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Boorne, bpt. March 1583/4 in Saint Lawrence, Kent, England, son of Matthew - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Borne, bpt. July 1586 in Canterbury, Kent, England, son of Raynold - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Borne, bpt. May 1586 in Smarden, Kent, England, son of Thomas - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Boorne, bpt. February 1587 in Worcester, Worcester, England, son of Walter - Baptismal record in appropriate time period* Thomas Bourne of London, father of a Margaret Bourne (bpt. January 1605 at St Peter Cornhill) and John Bourne (bpt. August 1610 at St Michael Cornhill) - 2 children with the same names

      ==== Most Promising Possible Origins ====Perhaps the two most promising possible origins of Thomas Bourne of Marshfield that have so far been identified are (1) a [[Burne-69|Thomas Burne of Derby, Derbyshire]] and (2) a Thomas Bourne from the Ombersely/Droitwich/Kempsey area of Worcestershire.
      With regard to Thomas Burne of Derby, a detailed discussion can be found in [[Space:Thomas_Burne_of_Derby_and_Thomas_Bourne_of_Marshfield|Thomas Burne of Derby Theory]], but the key arguments are: * Thomas of Derby married Elizabeth Fisher at St. Alkmunds in Derby in 1607, which is exactly the right date of marriage for Thomas of Marshfield and his wife Elizabeth.* Thomas of Derby had children named Anna, John, Elizabeth and Martha. These are the same names as all of Thomas of Marshfield's children except for Margaret, and their dates of baptism are consistent with the estimated dates of births of Thomas of Marshfield's children.* There is a 1608 record for the baptism in Derby of a Margaret Burne who may the daughter of Thomas of Derby, which would be a perfect match for the 1608 estimated date of birth of Margaret, daughter of Thomas of Marshfield. If that record is not for the daughter of Thomas of Derby, there a 6-year gap between Thomas of Derby's 1607 marriage and the first baptismal record for his children (1613), which suggests missing baptismal records, one of which could relate to a daughter named Margaret.* While there are multiple possible birth/baptismal records for children of a Thomas Burne/Bourne with the names Ann, John and Elizabeth in their respective estimated birth ranges, the only birth/baptismal record that has been found for a Martha, daughter of a Thomas Burne/Bourne, during 1616-1632 is the one for the daughter of Thomas of Derby.* The "Burne" spelling of the last name of Thomas Burne of Derby is consistent with the spelling of the last name of Thomas of Marshfield in allr Plymouth records prior to 1641. (See "Records" below.)* Several other Plymouth Colony colonists, including the Sowters/Sowthers and the Oldhams, came from Derby.
      With regard to Thomas Burn of Ombersley/Droitwich/Kempsey, the key arguments are:* There is a record for the baptism of a Thomas Bourne, son of a Richard Bourne, in July 1582 in at Ombersley, Worcester. The date of this baptismal record is the closest match yet found for Thomas Bourne of Marshfied's 1581 birth date.* There is a record for the baptism of a John Bourne, son of a Thomas Bourne, in May 1611 at Saint Andrew, Droitwich, Worcester, England The record would be a reasonably good fit for a baptismal record for Thomas Bourne of Marshfield's son John.* The Winslow family, who became Thomas Bourne's neighbors in Marshfield, and whose son Josiah married Thomas Bourne's daughter Margaret, were from the Droitwich/Kempsey area of Worcestershire.* Josiah Winslow and Margaret Bourne appear to have gotten married almost immediately after the probable date of the Bourne family's arrival in Plymouth, which suggests a prior familiarity between them and their families.

      === Place of Birth ===Thomas's place of birth, of course, depends on his origins and is therefore similarly undetermined. Savage said that he "may probably" have come from County Kent. The Find-A-Grave page for Thomas Bourne and the Pane-Joyce Genealogy more specifically assert, without providing a source, that Thomas was born in Tenterden, Kent. The origin of the theory that Thomas was probably from Kent and, more specifically, from Tenterden, Kent is probably the assertion in Savage that Thomas had a daughter named Lydia who was the wife of Nathaniel Tilden. Since Nathaniel's children were born in Tenterden, that would have meant that Lydia Bourne was probably also from the area. Savage's underlying assertion that Thomas had a daughter named Lydia Tilden has, however, been proven to be incorrect. Savage had apparently thought that the reference in Thomas's will to daughter Lydia Tilden meant that he had a daughter named Lydia who was the Lydia Tilden who was Nathaniel's wife. In fact, Nathaniel Tilden's wife was a different, and significantly older, Lydia. The somewhat confusing passage in the transcription of Thomas's will which reads "Daughter Tildin : Daughter Lydia Tildin" was no doubt intended to mean "daughter [Elizabeth] Tildin's daughter Lydia Tilden," referring to the daughter to Lydia Tilden, the daughter of Thomas Tilden and (Thomas Bourne's deceased daughter) Elizabeth (Bourne) Tilden. Therefore, there is no basis for the theory that Thomas was probably born in Kent or, more specifically, Tenterden, Kent.

      ===Marriage(s?)===Thomas married a woman whose first name was Elizabeth. Her maiden name is unknown. The only record that has been found that relates to her is a Marshfield town record of the burial in 1660 of "Elizabeth wife of Thomas Bourn aged 70." Based on her estimated date of birth (1590) and the earliest reasonably well established date of birth of any of their children (Margaret in 1608), they were probably married about 1607. Their place of marriage is unknown and would depend on Thomas's origin, although they were presumably married somewhere in England. The Find-A-Grave page for Thomas and some other family trees say that her name was Elizabeth Rouse. However, that appears to be the result of confusing Thomas with his grandson [[Bourne-247|Thomas Bourne]] (son of son John Bourne) who married [[Rouse-98|Elizabeth Rouse]].
      Savage and (perhaps in reliance on him) "New England Marriages to 1700" state that, after Elizabeth died, Thomas married a woman named Martha who survived him. No primary source (such as a marriage record, death record, deed, etc.) has been found that supports this assertion. Of particular note, the only reference to a wife in Thomas's will is a bequest to his daughter Martha Bradford of his wife's gold ring, which is strong evidence that his wife was already dead when he made his will.

      === Children ===Thomas and, presumably, Elizabeth had the following children, all born before they immigrated to New England and thus presumably born in England. Since Thomas's origin is uncertain and no birth or baptismal record has been definitively associated with any of his children, their place of birth is unknown and their birth dates are all estimates.
      # [[Bourne-1|Margaret]], b. about 1608, m. probably 1636 Josiah Winslow in Plymouth Colony, d. September 28, 1683 in Marshfield# [[Bourne-248|John]], b. probably sometime in 1609-1621,Based on parents' estimated date of marriage (1607), sister Margaret's estimated date of birth (1608), and a record showing that he was propounded to be a freeman in 1642, when he must have been at least 21. m. July 18, 1645 Alice Besbeech at Marshfield, d. December 8, 1684 at Marshfield# [[Bourne-102|Elizabeth]], b. probably sometime in 1609-21,Based on parents' estimated date of marriage (1607), sister Margaret's estimated date of birth (1608), and her date of marriage (December 1638). m. December 11, 1638 Robert Waterman in Plymouth Colony, d. December 12, 1663 in Marshfield# [[Bourne-387|Ann (Sarah)]], b. probably sometime in 1609-22,Based on parents' estimated date of marriage (1607), sister Margaret's estimated date of birth (1608), and her date of marriage (1639/40). m. January 21, 1639/40 Nehemiah Smith in Plymouth Colony, d. after January 12, 1684 probably in New London, Connecticut Colony# [[Bourne-39|Martha]], b. probably sometime in 1617-30,Based on husband's date of birth (1617) and mother's estimated date of birth (1590). m. 1st probably sometime in 1638-53Based on husband's date of birth (1617) and the fact that he moved to the Connecticut Colony in 1653. John Bradford, m. 2d about 1676 Thomas Tracy, d. before 1683 in Norwich, Connecticut Colony
      As discussed above under "Place of Birth," Savage's assertion that Thomas had a daughter named Lydia has been disproven.

      === Immigration to New England ==="History of Marshfield" asserts that Thomas Bourne and his family came to the Plymouth Colony sometime near 1630. This assertion is almost certainly incorrect. A review of Plymouth Colony records (see "Records" below) shows an abrupt commencement of records relating to Thomas and his family in 1637, with the first being a grant to him of a dwelling lot in January 1637. In fact, since the grant is to Thomas's son John on behalf of Thomas, it is possible that John arrived before Thomas and that Thomas himself did not arrive until later in 1637. Both the January 1637 grant and the fact that Thomas's daughter Elizabeth had a child born in September 1637, however, strongly suggest that at least some members of the family arrived in 1636, albeit perhaps in the later part of the year.

      === Settlement in Marshfield ===In December 1637, Thomas received a grant of 100 acres of land in Greenes Harbor, Plymouth and appears to have moved there. Greenes Harbor was in the part of Plymouth that was incorporated in 1640 and briefly named Rexham before being renamed Marshfield.
      According to Thomas's will, he was a draper by occupation. From his arrival in the Plymouth Colony, he was clearly a person of the first rank and among the few consistently referred to as "Mr." His high status was evidenced by the size of the grant he received in Marshfield, his being one of two men on the governing committee for Rexham/Marshfield in 1641 and 1642, and his retention of indentured servants.

      === Will; Death; Estate ===Thomas made his will (transcribed below) on May 2, 1664. It contained bequests to his daughters Martha Bradford, Ann Smith and Margaret Winslow, and (his daughter Elizabeth Waterman/Tilden having died) to his son-in-law Thomas Tilden, his grandchildren Lydia Tilden, John Waterman and Robert Waterman, and to his minister Samuel Arnold, and made his son John his sole heir and executor. Thomas died and was buried on May 11, 1664 at the age of 83. His will was probated on June 9, 1664. The inventory of his estate was taken by Joseph Beedle, Anthony Snow and Thomas Doged and exhibited at court on June 9, 1664 on the oath of son John Bourne. His real estate consisted of his house, land, orchard and meadows and a lot near Taunton. His personal property and chattels were valued at over 138 pounds.

      == Last Will and Testament ==The Last Will and Testament of Mr Thomas Bourne of the Towne of Marshfield in the Jurisdiction of New Plymouth late Deceased exhibited to the general Court held att Plymouth the 9th of June 1664 on the oathes of Mr Samuel Arnold and Anthony Snow;
      These my presents witness that I Thomas Bourne of the towne of Marshfield in the Colonie of Plymouth in America Draper growed in years and weakened of body yet of good memory doe by these presents make and declare this to be my last will and testament. First I bequeath my soul to god and my body to the earth and estate as followeth: Item, I give unto my Daughter Bradford according to my promise twenty pounds to bee payed her in Corne or Cattle or goods; and also I give her my wifes gould Ringe; and I doe give unto my Daughter Smith nine pounds to be payed her for a legacy in corne Cattel or goods; and I doe give unto my Daughter Winslow two Cowes; and I give unto my sonne Tildin five shillings in corne for a legacye; And I give unto my Daughter Tildin : Daughter Lydia Tildin forty shillings; I say two pounds in Cattle; for the better understanding of the forty shillings; before mentioned and I give unto John Waterman two pounds in Cattle or goods or corne; And I doe give unto Robert Waterman two pounds in Cattle goods or Corne And I doe give unto Mr Arnold twenty shillings in goods or Corne And I doe hereby declare my son John Bourne to bee my heire and I Doe give unto him all my lands and housing that are upon my lands that is neare hand or further Remote layed out or to bee layed out to mee And further I do hereby declare my son John Bourne to be my sole whole executor of all and singular my goods and chattels and my whole estate representing my said executor out of my estate to make good what so ever I have declared in this my last Will and Testament and that this is my last will and Testament I have here confirmed it under my hand and seale this 2nd of May 1664.
      :
      By mee Thomas Bourne
      :Signed and delivered in the presence of Samuel Arnold, Anthony Snow

      == Chronology of Records ==* 1637. Seven acres apiece granted to Josiah Winslow, Richard Bourne, and to John Burne, on behalf of his father, Mr. Thomas Burne, & to James Coale for their dwelling houses on January 2, 1636/7.* 1637. Mr. Thomas Burne included in list of freemen of the Plymouth Colony on March 7, 1636/7* 1637. A 100 acres of land at Greenes Harbor [the original name of the town of Marshfield] and a garden place, both in the town of Plymouth, granted to Mr. Thomas Burne on December 4, 1637* 1637. Will of William Palmer of Duxbury dated November 7, 1637 was witnessed by Thomas Burnes and William Basset* 1638. Mr. Thomas Burne sworn and admitted freeman at a General Court on January 2, 1637/8* 1638. Thomas Burne, gentleman, included in list of the Names of the Grand Inquest on June 5, 1638* 1639. Thomas Burne was a member of the jury in an action by John Danford against Richard Derby at the General Court on June 4, 1639* 1641. Mr. William Thomas and Mr. Thomas Bourne appointed as the committee of the town of Rexhame [the name briefly given to Marshfield after its formation in 1640]* 1641. Mr. Thomas Burne brought a complaint against James Luxford at General Court at Plymouth on December 6, 1641* 1642. Mr. Thomas Bourne and Kenelme Winslowe appointed as the committee for the town of Marshfield* 1642. Mr. Thomas Burne had judgment against John Chandler for seven shillings and six pence at the General Court at Plymouth on June 7, 1642* 1643. Agreement on November 11, 1643 pursuant to which Mr. Thomas Burne purchased Mr. William Thomas the remainder of the indentured servitude of William Launder, with William Launder's consent* 1644. John Mynard brought a complaint against Thomas Burne, Kenelme Winslow and Josias Winslow in an action of trespass at the General Court at New Plymouth on March 5, 1643/4* 1645. Mr. William Thomas and Mr. Thomas Burne appointed as the committee for Marshfield* 1646. The General Court at Plymouth on June 2, 1646 appointed Mr. Thomas Willet, Mr. John Alden, Mr. Thomas Bourne, Thomas Chambers, Thomas Tupper, Henry Andrewes, Anthony Annable, Edmond Hawes & Steven Payne to a committee to consider a way to defray the charges of the magistrates table by way of excise upon wine and other things* 1647. Thomas Bourne & Thomas Tylden appointed as the Supervisors of the Highways for Marshfield at the General Court at Plymouth on June 1, 1647* 1648. Mr. THomas Bourne, Kenelme Winslow and Joseph Bedell appraised the value of Thomas Howell's cattle as part of the inventory of his estate* 1648. Mr. Thomas Burne among the men appointed to the Grand Inquest Jury by the Genera Court at Plymouth on June 7, 1648* 1648. Mr. Thomas Burne among those appointed by the General Court at Plymouth on October 4, 1648 to the grand inquest for the bill of indictment against [[Martin-1165|Alice Bishop]] for murdering her own child* 1648. Mr. Thomas Burne and Robert Waterman named as executors in William Launders will dated December 19, 1648* 1648. List of debts owed by and to William Launders of Marshfield as of December 29, 1648 includes 16 shillings and one pair of wheels and plow irons owed by Mr. Burne of Marshfield* 1651. Grand inquest presented Jonathan Coventry of Marshfield for making a motion of marriage to Katherine Bradbury, servant to Mr. Burne of the same town, with her master's consent* 1652. Thomas Bourne agreed to pay to Edmond Weston the remaining sum of three pounds due from Robert Waterman [husband of Thomas's daughter Elizabeth] for land in Duxbury* 1653. Receipt by Edmond Weston dated February 3 1652/3 for three pounds and 15 shillings from Thomas Bourne of Marshfield in payment of remaining sum due from Robert Waterman's purchase of land* 1655. John Howland Sr, Thomas Bourne and John Dingley entered into an agreement dated May 4, 1655, witnessed by Myles Standish, regarding the borders of their portions of a marsh meadow in Marshfield* 1656. At the Marshfield town meeting on November 3, 1656 it was ordered that Mr. Thomas Bourne and Joseph Beedell should receive 10 pounds which Edward Winslow gave to the poor of Marshfield in his will in connection with disposing stock on the town's behalf* 1658. George Soule, Constant Southworth and Phillip Delanoe appointed at the Court of Election on June 1, 1658 to set the range between Mr. Bournes and Anthony Snowes lands at Marshfield* 1659. Mr. Thomas Bournes is one of 26 purchasers from Indians of land on the eastern side of the Taunton River [that became Freetown]* 1661. Mr. Thomas Bourne brought a complaint against Trustram Hull for 15 pounds for detaining a horse belonging to him at the General Court at Plymouth on March 4, 1660/1* 1661. A black horse that was in controversy between Trustrum Hill and Mr. Thomas Bourne "was cryed" at the General Court on March 5, 1660/1* 1663. The General Court of Election on June 1, 1663 declined to act on a petition by Mr. Thomas Bourne of Marshfield concerning a horse he laid claim to* 1664. Thomas Bourne died and was buried on May 11, 1664 at the age of 83



      == Sources ==

      See also:* "The Bourne Genealogy" by Helen BournJoy Lee, 1972, chronicles another Bourne family. Abstracts from "Bournes of Marshfield" by Marcia A. Thomas 1854. "The eldest of the Marshfield settlers & a patriarch of its education."