"John Holyoke, B. A., of Springfield, Massachusetts, born 5 August, 1642, was son of Elizur Holyoke, of Springfield, whose wife was Mary, daughter of William and Frances (Sanford) Pynchon. He was among the early settlers of Westfield, where, in 1667, when public worship was first held on Lord's days, he preached about six months. Soon after the death of his father, 6 February, 1675-6, he returned to the old homestead in Springfield, was made freeman 23 May, 1677, Town-Clerk, Register of Deeds for the county of Hampshire, Magistrate, Clerk of the Courts in 1686, and Representative in 1691 and 1692. In the assignment of 'Outward Commons' by the town in 1685, he had lot No. 25 of twenty-six rods and four feet. He died, a bachelor, 6 February, 1711-12, bequeathing his estate to two sisters and the widow and children of his brother, Elizur Holyoke, father of President Edward Holyoke, H. U. 1705."
