link AUSTIN BEARSE, our first ancestor of the name in this country, came over " in the good Ship, the Confidence of London, of two hundred tonnes," from Southampton, England, April 24, 1638, and was then twenty years of age, having been born at or near Southampton in 1618. He came to Barnstable. (Cape Cod, Mass.), with the first company in 1639. His house lot, containing twelve acres of very rocky land in the westerly part of the East Parish, was bounded westerly by John Crocker's land, northerly by the meadow, easterly by Isaac Robinson's land, and "southerly into woods." His house stood on the north side of the road, and his cellar and some remains of his orchard existed at the commencement of the present century; — a road from his house to Hyannis is still known as "Bearse's Way." He owned six acres of meadow adjoining upland on the north, and two thatch islands, still known as '"Bearse's Islands." He had also six acres of land in the Calves Pasture, esteemed as being the best soil in the town; eight acres of planting land on the north side of Shoal Pond bounded by Mr. Cooper's, now called Huckin's Neck, and thirty acres at the Indian Ponds bounded easterly by the Herring River. The Indian Pond lot he sold to Thomas Allen, and the planning lands at Shoal Pond were occupied by his descendants until recently. John Jenkins and John Dexter afterward owned the ancient homestead.
He became a member of Mr. Lothrop's Church April 2), 1643; his name stands at the head of the list the first person admitted. He appears to have been very exact in the performance of his religious duties, causing his children to be baptized on the day of their birth, if Sunday, or on the following Sabbath. His son Joseph, our ancestor, born on Sunday, January 25, 1652, was taken two miles to the church and baptized the same day. Many believed that children dying unbaptized were lost, and that consequently it was the duty of parents to present their children early for baptism. Being influenced by this feeling, he did not wish by a week to delay or imperil the eternal salvation of his child. Now such an act would be pronounced unnecessary and cruel. However differently the present generation may view the question of baptism, he did what he honestly believed his duty, and he who does that intelligently is to be justified.
He was proposed to be admitted a freeman, June 3, 1652, and was admitted on the 3rd of May following. His name rarely occurs on the records. He was a grand juror in 1653 and 1662, and a surveyor of highways in 1674. He was one of the very few against whom no complaint was ever made, a fact which speaks well for his character as a man and a citizen. He was a farmer, lived on the produce of his land, and brought up his family to be like himself — Useful members of society. There appears to be no record of his death, nor settlement of his estate on the probate records. He was living in 1686, but died before 1697. His marriage is not on record. Had eleven children, all born at Barnstable, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
his CHILDREN -SECOND GENERATION.
2 Mary Bearse, b. [born] 1640.
3 Martha Bearse, b. 1642.
4 Priscilla Bearse, b. Mar. 10, 1644. married1669, DEA. John Hall Jr., of Yarmouth.
5 Sarah Bearse, b Mar. 28, 1646 ; m. Aug., 1667, John Hamblin, of Barnstable, and had 12 children.
6 Abigail Bearse b. Dec. 18, 1647;m Apr 12, 1670, Allen Nichols, of
Barnstable, and had 9 children.
7 Hannah Bearse, b. Nov. 16, 1649.
8 JOSEPH BEARSE, our ancestor, b. Jan. 25. 1652; m. Dec. 3, 1676,
m. Martha Taylor For further account of him see the next paragraph
in large type marked 8
9 Hester Bearse, b. Oct 2, 1653
10 Lydia Bearse, b. Sept, 1655.
11 Rebecca Bearse, b. 1657; m. Feb., 1671, William Hunter
12 James Bearse b. July, 1660; m about 1683 and appears to have removed from Barnstable.
