My Family Tree

Benjamin Bodfish of Barnstable, yeoman, in his will dated 5 February 1756, probated 7 May 1760, gave his loving wife, Lydia Bodfish, one-half of his dwelling house, one cow, a certain amount of grain and wool annually, and all of his "indoors household stuff excepting what is particularly given to my son Jonathan hereafter." The services to Lydia were "to be performed by my son Jonathan in consideration of what is given to him." Jonathan was given the other half of the house, land in Sandwich and half of his father’s wearing apparel. Son Solomon Bodfish received some land, some salt marsh, the other half of his father’s wearing apparel, and half of his father’s "weaving tackling." Daughter Hannah Nye was given £6-13-4 and the other half of her father’s "weaving tackling." Daughter Thankful Shelly received £6-13-4. Hannah and Thankful were to share equally in the household goods after their mother’s death. Sons Solomon and Jonathan Bodfish were named joint executors. The will was witnessed by David Crocker, David Smith and Matthias Fuller. On 7 May 1760, David Smith and Matthias Fuller, two of the witnesses, made oath that they, with David Crocker, Esq., since deceased, had subscribed their names as witnesses.