"Thomas Hall2, John1: b. 16 Nov 1681; d. 25 Jan 1757 æ. 76, … inherited half the homestead in Medford, which he bequeathed to his sons William and John, he was admitted to the church of Cambridge in 1710, and was one of the founders of church of Medford, 1712, 13, of which he became a deacon in 1726; he held the office of chairman of the board of selectmen, 1732, and sealer of leather, 1748; made his will March 25, 1755, giving portions to son, Thomas, £5, 5s., 8d., the sum was so small because son Thomas was brought up by his grandfather Cutter, who was very rich, and received his mother's portion of that estate; to the children of son Edward, only 5s., as Edward had before received his portion; he gave nothing to the children of daughter Ruth, as she had her portion; Rebecca and her children were dead before he made his will; he gave the homestead to William and John, with the understanding that William should buy John's portion of it; John was then a maltster, living in Hanover, Essex Co., Mass."
Abstract of will mentions deceased daughter Rebecca, but it is not clear if she was explicitly mentioned in the will, or if this was an added explanation by the author.
There is no indication that "Hanover" was ever a place name used in Essex County, Mass. Since John Hall later lived in Plaistow, New Hampshire, it is possible that the compiler incorrectly used "Hanover" instead of "Haverhill'.
