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From: "Cherryl A. Ball" <>
Subject: [GEORGE] GEORGE Etymology + 3 MA Lines
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:38:56 -0500
References: <mailman.31.1218697230.14062.george@rootsweb.com>
In-Reply-To: <mailman.31.1218697230.14062.george@rootsweb.com>


Genealogical and Family History of the State of NH:

GEORGE - This name, first a forename and later GEORGE a surname, is derived from two Greek words and signifies "earth-worker," or
"farmer." The families of this name are probably of different ancestors, and are scattered throughout the United States. The members
of the George family who settled in MA Bay Colony about the middle of the seventeenth century came from the southeastern part of
England and as traditions of the family indicate were three brothers, arriving in America at nearly the same time. For an account of
James see below; Richard was in Boston, 1655, and John was in Charlestown, MA, 1657. (I) James George, one of the above mentioned
brothers, is on record in Haverhill, MA, as early as 1652, when he was chosen as "herdsman" of the town. For this service he
received a compensation of twelve shillings and six pence per week, payable in Indian corn and butter. He was "to Keep ye heard
faithfully as a heard ought to be kept; if any be left on the Sabbath when ye town worships they who keeps are to go ye next day
doing their best endeavor to find them." He was not permitted to turn his flock into the pasture on the Sabbath until the "second
beating of ye drum." He worked for William Osgood, of Salisbury, as early as 1654. When the boundary between Salisbury and Haverhill
was established in 1654, because of it he became a resident of that part of Salisbury since known as Amesbury. He was made a
"townsman" at the incorporation of that town, March 19, 1655. For a time he served the town as "herdsman" and then established
himself as a planter, receiving a "township" as a grant in 1655, and other lands in 1658 and 1666. He is found in the list of
"commoners." or owners of common lands, in 1667-68, and subscribed to the oath of allegiance in 1677. His death occurred in or prior
to 1707. The settlement of his estate was begun in that year and finished in 1709. He married Sarah Jordan, daughter of Francis and
Jane Jordan, and they had children: James, Samuel, Sarah. Joseph and Francis.

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