Person:Seth Pope (1)

POPE, Seth, Capt., Mar. 17, 1726-7. [Seth Esq. of Dartmouth, in 79th year, [on stone beside those of Deborah and Rebecca] gravestone record, Acushnet Cemetery (established in the reign of Queen Anne in the old Township of Dartmouth)] According to the Pope genealogy, there is little known of his early history. "Tradition, in part confirmed by the records," indicated that about 1670 he appeared as a peddler in Sandwich, whereupon the constable ordered him to depart, lest in the future he become a charge upon the town. He accordingly withdrew, remarking that he would come back and buy up the town.

Procuring a boat at Monument, he went to Acushnet, settled within the present limits of Fairhaven, and ultimately became one of the most wealthy and influential citizens of the old colony. The Pope genealogy outlines his various accomplishments, and mentions that he was apparently for many years interested in the coastwise trade, owning a wharf and warehouse at Acushnet, and a part of the sloop Hopewell and Joanna and Thankful.

In 1700 he made good on his promise to the town that first snubbed him, and purchased a large amount of realty in the village, including the grist-mill, fulling-mill and weaving-shop. At the time of his death, his estates in Dartmouth were extensive and valuable, comprising several farms and dwelling houses, a saw and grist-mill, a well-stocked store and warehouse, and other property.

MD: Seth Pope, who married Deborah Perry and Rebecca; Thomas Pope, probably died young; John Pope, probably died young; Sarah Pope, married Samuel Hinckley; Joanna Pope, married John Hathaway; Isaac Pope.

[From the original account] On 2 March, 1712/13, "John Hathaway of Dartmouth", executor, presented an account which was approved. Payments had been made to "Justice Seth Pope", John Spooner, Sr., Jonathan Hathaway, Thomas Hathaway, Mary Hammond. Lydia Sisson, John Taber, and Hannah Cadman, as per receipts abstracted. "A ffurther accompt of money payd to the doctr and Charge of Administration as followeth .... Imprs To James Tallman 2-04-00" "Charge of Adminstration hitherto 1-12-06" [This account was also recorded, 3 :119]

To John Perry my Son one Shilling to Deborah my Daughter wife to Seth Pope one Shilling To Sarah wife to Epharim Swift one Shilling"

Jonathan Hathaway was marraied unto his wife Susannah the daughter of Capt Seth Pope on the last day of Desember 1701

He was married to Deborah PERRY about 1674 in Barnstable, Ma?. Although the Pope genealogy has Deborah as unknown, she can be traced through the will of Ezra Perry as excerpted below:

From the will of Ezra Perry:

Remember too Cows one bed and its ffurniture, one meare and all her Increse, also to my Son Ezra one Shilling To John Perry my Son one Shilling

to Deborah my Daughter wife to Seth Pope one Shilling To Sarah wife to Epharim Swift one Shilling"

According to Bowan and the Pope genealogy, Seth Pope apparently married second, "Rebecca," all the listed children being attributed to Seth and Deborah and born in Dartmouth. Child was: Hannah.

He was married to Rebecca.

MD 29:2: Sandwich, Mass VR (70) Abigail Pope The Daughter of Seth Pope & Hannah Pope his Wife was Born ye 2nd Day of Augst Ano Domini 1710 Bathsheba Pope The Daughter of Seth Pope & Hannah Pope his Wife was Born The 2nd Day of December Anno Domini 1713 John Pope ye son of Seth Pope & Hannah Pope his Wife was Born The 25th Day of November Anno Domini 1716* Hannah Pope ye Daughter of Seth & Hannah Pope his Wife was born The 25th Day of April Anno Domini 1720 Patience Pope the Daughter of Seth Pope & Hannah his wife was Born the 29th Day of November Anno Domini 1725