vital records sources

John's mark on his will

bio in progress

In his annotated collection of Lancaster vital records, Henry Nourse says John had a noncupative will "sworn" on 20 December 1681 at the age of about 77. Both should be taken skeptically. First, this is certainly his addition to the vital records. Swearing a will involves depositions in court from the witnesses as to the veracity of the will. There is no record this in the Middlesex County county records. There was a will signed by John with witnesses that was proved at court on 4 April 1682. This will was written in 1673, so the idea that there was another will proved shortly before this and left no notice in any records isn't plausible. Nourse was likely confused. William French, who lived several towns away in Billerica (old boundaries), did have will proved on the 1681 date. There is no obvious source for Nourse saying John was about 77 when he died, although it's plausible.      

children of John Prescott and Mary Gawkroger (church records in Sowerby need to be double-checked for accuracy):

i. Mary, bap. 24 February 1630/1? (needs clarification and double-checking)
ii. infant, bur. 7 March 1631(/2?)?
iii. Martha, bap. 11 March 1632(/3?)?
iv. infant, bur. 3 January 1634(/5?)?
v. John, bap. 1 April 1635?, or b. abt. 1643
vi. Sarah
vii. Hannah
viii. Lydia, b. 15 August 1641
ix. (perhaps John)
x. Jonathan
xi. Jonas

vital records sources:

1.