Settlers and Early Inhabitants of Ipswich

Ipswich is the country’s best-preserved Puritan town, and its residents have been the proud custodians of its history. Many people trace their roots back through several generations to Ipswich, one of the earliest towns in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Image: Departure of a Puritan family for New England, 1856 by Charles Cope

Vital Records through 1849

Land grants, homes, and gravestones of the settlers of Ipswich

Thomas and Susan French of Ipswich, Their Sons and Daughters
Thomas and Elizabeth Lull, the Caldwell Sons and their Descendants
The Hovey Clan and Knowlton’s Close, a 19th Century Neighborhood
Moses and Aaron Pengry and Their descendants
Homes of the Wades
Homes of the Manning Family of Ipswich
Homes of the Lords
Homes of the Jewetts
Homes of the Descendants of Richard and Ursula Scott Kimball of Rattlesden, who Settled in Ipswich
Homes of the Descendants of John Baker of Ipswich
Homes of the Descendants of Daniel Rindge and Mary Kinsman of Ipswich
Homes of the Appletons
Descendants of Robert Kinsman of Ipswich
Descendants of John and Judith Gator Perkins of Ipswich

Gordon Harris leads custom tours for people wishing to “walk in the footsteps of their forefathers.”

English origins of the Great Migration
English Origins of the Great Migration

Other Ipswich Genealogy Resources

Settlers and early inhabitants of Ipswich

Partial list, arranged alphabetically

16 thoughts on “Settlers and Early Inhabitants of Ipswich”

  1. This is a fantastic resource. Many many thanks. I found a number of families that my ancestors married into on your list. However, I did notice one family missing from your list that I hope you will add — descendants of John Parish. Their book and genealogy is entitled ” New England Parish families ” by Roswell Parish. I am one of their direct descendants. . Thanks “Sam”

  2. Thanks, I added links at https://historicipswich.org/early-inhabitants-of-ipswich-massachusetts/.

    John Parish first appears at Braintree, MA in 1664 and soon afterwards is in Mendon, MA. In 1685 he married his second wife, Mary Wattell of Chelmsford, MA. They moved from Mendon to Chebacco Parish in Ipswich (now the town of Essex) after the Indian attacks of 1691-2. In Ipswich, four children were born to them: Sarah born 1692, William born 1694, Isaac born 1697 and Rachell born 1699. Prom Ipswich they removed to Connecticut, where, on 15 Nov. 1704, John Parish and Mary his wife were admitted to the first church of Preston by letter from the Ipswich church. Here he died in 1715.

  4. Hi Gordon, I LOVE and appreciate all of time and research you put into Historic Ipswich. I’m looking for info on Peter Lurvey “removed from Ipswich to Gloucester” apx. 1704.

      1. Thank you, Gordon! I had apx half of the info you sent along, but filled in a lot of gaps with the rest 🙂 Got any idea how we might learn where Peter came from to land in Ipswich, and when? We’re kind of stuck. Any help is appreciated.

  5. I expected to see the families of Moses Cox and Humphrey Wise here.They are related to others here, like the Perkins family.

    1. Who is Moses Cox? I have a Sarah Cox (m. Arthur Cary) who doesn’t have a documented father and she lived in Ipswich and Boxford.

  6. Looking for info on ChRistopher Bowles,Boulds,Boils died Ipswich 1731 Married Elizabeth Stanley of Topsfield 1682.One,daughter Ruth.Buried Old Cemetery Ipswich,High St.

  7. I am looking for any information you might have on Danial Bradley who arrived on the Elizabeth in 1636? Greatly appreciate any help you can give me,

  8. Hello I am looking for information on Peter Freeman b 1726 died between 1761-1778 married Jane Freeman May 11 1751 he was a slave in Ipswich there are a lot of Peter Freeman’s, he fought in the Revolutionary war his son was John Freeman who lived in Bath Maine b 1835-37 Peter would be my 6th great grandfather.I know there may not be much to add but if anyone has more information I’d love to know more Thanks Lisa

  9. I am looking to find the parents of John Martin who married Mary Holland on 21 Mar 1754 in Ipswich. I do not believe him to be the John Martin who was born on 17 Oct 1712 even though a DAR document claims this. The John Martin b. in 1712 m. Elizabeth Thomson in 1734. John and Mary Martin had a son Edward Martin b. 15 Oct 1759 in Ipswich. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! This site is amazing!

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