Person:Joseph Saunders (2)

The will of Joseph Saunders of Westerly was written 19 Mar 1795 and proved 24 Jun 1799 names his daughter Freegift Briggs, wife of Jacob Briggs. It also names his wife Elizabeth and other children, Joseph and George Saunders, Prudence Greene, wife of (probably) John Greene, and Marcy or Mary Saunders. Also named are grand daughter Mary or Polly Clarke, wife of Ichabod Clarke, and grand daughter Hannah Burdick, wife of Dudly Burdick. Also named are grand daughters Nancy and Abigail (no surnames), but daughters of Freegift Briggs. Note that the person who signed receipts for the estate of Joseph Sanders stating she was his wife, was a Rebecca Saunders, not Elizabeth. Joseph's will was dated in March of 1795 and proved 4 years later. In between Elizabeth died and he married Rebecca.

"Westerly and It's Witnesses", by Rev. Frederic Denison A. M., published by J. A. and R. A. Reid, 1878 p 296. This neglected ground is located in the eastern part of the town [of Westerly], on the farm of Mr. Thier J. Crandall, on the westside of the highway, in a pasture, quite a distance south of Mr.Crandall's residence. The graves are without the protection of an inclosure and the headstones without inscriptions. But here lie Joseph Saunders, Jr. and his wife Lydia, also their fatherJoseph Saunders, Russel Saunders, and his wife Catharine, Marcy Saunders, daughter of Joseph Saunders 1st."

1. ↑ Westerly Births and Deaths, in Arnold, James N. Vital Record of Rhode Island, 1636–1850: First series, births, marriages and deaths. A family register for the people. (Narragansett Hist. Publ. Co., 1891)
   129.

   SAUNDERS, Joseph, of John and Silena, [born] July 5, 1721.

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Abstracts of Westerly Wills, in Rhode Island Genealogical Register. (Princeton, Massachusetts: A. G. Beaman)
   15:131.

   Joseph Saunders of Westerly, yeoman. Will dated 19 Mar 1795, proved 24 June 1799, pps. 53-54.
   Wife Elizabeth Saunders who received personal estate that she brought to me when she became my wife. HOWEVER Rebecca Saunders signed a receipt to will of my husband Joseph Saunders late of Westerly deceased for my full portion according to an agreement with my said husband the said Joseph deceased. Also an agreement was made between Rebecca Saunders widow of Joseph Saunders late of Westerly deceased & Joseph Saunders son to said deceased which mentioned Rebecca's grandson Henry Thorn.
   Sons: Joseph and George.
   Daughters: Freegift Briggs wife of Jacob Briggs, Prudence Greene (apparently wife of John Greene who signed receipt) & Marcy Saunders (signed as Mary Saunders).
   Granddaughter Mary/Polly Clarke wife of Ichabod Clarke Jr., and Hannah Burdick wife of Dudley Burdick, Nancy and Abigail (no surnames) daughter of daughter Freegift Briggs.
   Witnesses: Peter Davis, Paul Lanphere and Samuel Bliven.