Robert1 Boltwood, a native of Essex County, England, came to America before 1648, when his name first appears in the Connecticut records. He settled in the east part of Wethersfield, in the part now included in Glastonbury, and received a grant of a pond with a quantity of land adjacent thereto, which he purchased from the Indian chief, Peckharen. He was made freeman May 20, 1658, and the following year was one of the "engagers" who removed to Hadley, Massachusetts, and became one of the original proprietors of that settlement. His home lot of eight acres was located on the west side of Main Street of Hadley, the fourth in order from the north limits of the settlement. He died in Hadley April 6, 1684, and his wife Mary, whose parentage is unknown, died there May 14. 1687. In Hadley Robert Boltwood was a sergeant in the militia, held many civil offices, was a farmer and ran the corn mill from 1677 until his death. … Robert Boltwood of Hadley, in his will dated 19 Jan. 1682, proved at Springfield 30 Sept. 1684, provides as follows (among other items): "Item I give & bequeath to my daughter Sarah wife to Isaac Warner ten pounds. Item I give & bequeath to my daughter Martha wife to Danll Warner fifteene pounds. Item I give & bequeath to my daughter Lydia wife to John Warner fifteen pounds. Item I do giv & bequeath to my daughter Mary deceased her three children five pounds apiece. Item─to my loveing son Samll Boltwood─five pounds. Item─al the rest─I bequeath to my Loveing wife. Son Samuel Boltwood Executor." (Hampshire Probate, Northampton, 2:18.)
