"Thomas (Reade), bapt. Aug. 15, 1612, at North Benfleet; m. Priscilla Banks, daughter of John and Mary (Fisher) Banks, of Maidstone, co. Kent; d. in 1662. He emigrated to New England and settled in Salem where he was made freeman April 1, 1634, had a grant of 300 acres northwest of Salem, which he called 'Wickford,' in 1636, was ensign of the watch in 1637 and its captain in 1647. He returned to England and became a colonel in the Parliamentary army and was appointed Governor of Stirling Castle. Said to have taken part with Gen. Monke in the restoration of Charles II, nevertheless he was one of several officers committed close prisoners to the Gatehouse, Westminster, in October, 1661, by warrant signed by His Majesty's Secretary of State. The will of Thomas Reade of Wickford, gentleman, was made July 25 and proved Nov. 6, 1662. To wife, Priscilla, the farm known as Sopers, for lige, and £750. To son Samuel, £500 abd Sopers, in tail male, after the death of my wife, £2300 at twenty-one, and 'my farm called Wickford nere Salem in New England.' To son Thomas, £250 after the death of my wife, and £1450 at twenty-one. To daughter Priscilla, £1000 at twenty-one or marriage, if her mother and the overseers approve 'him she doth match withall,' if not, £500 only. He named his wife executrix, and, as overseers and guardians of the children, his brother Caleb Banks, Esq., Thomas Cooke of Pebmarsh, Esq., Sir John Banks, Bart., Alleyn Reade, gent., and Jacob Willett."
