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From: "Bill Churchill" <>
Subject: [MARTIN-L] Of interest to Rehoboth, MA Martins
Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 21:24:38 -0600


I am principally a researcher of English Churchill families but for the
last couple of months have been researching early Rehoboth, MA Martins
(they are related to English Churchills). I have been helped by several
on the Martin List for which I’m very grateful.



I have a small observation about the early Robert Martin of Rehoboth and
thought I would pass it on before I forget it. It may be of interest to
descendants of his brother Richard – or maybe not.



When Robert and Johanna (Upham) Martin arrived in the Massachusetts Bay
Colony in 1635 with the Reverend Joseph Hull’s party, Robert Martin is
listed as a Husbandman on the arrival list. Husbandman was the lowest
class of gentry.



In 1639 the good Rev. Hull got crossways with the Puritan leadership of
the Mass Bay Colony and removed to the Plymouth Colony where Anglicans
were appreciated. Robert Martin was his follower and likely removed
with him since he shows up on a list of Plymouth Colony Freeman in 1640.



The fact that Robert is called Freeman in 1640 means that he had moved
up a social notch to Yeoman. Devon man makes good I suppose.



Yeoman, the second class of gentry, was the lowest class who could vote
and possess & bear (carry) arms.



Regards,

Bill Churchill





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