DONNELL

1. HENRY

b.c.1602
m. FRANCES (3) GOOCH (living in 1673)
d. between 1687 & 1693

The names Henry Donnell and George Jewell are in the church and borough records of Barnstable, Devon
from 1631 until 1634 Henry being a litigant in the Court of Sessions(1)

In his deposition of 25 Aug. 1676 Henry Donnell suggests that he was in New England in 1631, apparently
on a fishing voyage with George Jewell. His deposition of 21 Mar. 1683 shows that he was in York in 1635
or 1636.

Henry was at first a fisherman at one time in partnership with Sampson Angier,(2) later he was also an
innkeeper. He lived on the road leading from York St. in the Harbor to Stage Neck which he possessed and
used as a fishing stage for many years.(3) The road led to the ferry from the neck (then Stage Island) across
the York River to Raynes Neck or Seabury Bank. It is probable that Henry had the ferry across the river.
No record substantiates this but, it is an obvious inference as it cannot be admitted that such a convenience
did not exist in the twenty years before the granting of the first recorded license. It was the natural location
for ferriage being the narrowest part of the river and the establishment of a tavern at that point strengthens
this opinion although the taverner may have maintained it for business reasons until the town took formal
action.(4) Henry kept the tavern there. How early he combined his trade of fisherman with innkeeping is
not known but, he was here as early as 1641 and probably catered to transient fishermen and travelers soon
after. In 1649 his name is found in a list of those paying the excise tax for drawing liquor. He was charged
with two pipes or butts of wine and 54 gallons of "licquers" an amount equal to Wardwell the taverner of
Wells and greater than the tax for the widow Puddington's tavern in York.(5) Henry also had a fishery on
Bragdon's Island.(6) He witnessed William Hooke's deed 18 Oct. 1644.

For some 18 years before King Phillip's War Henry lived and carried on a fishing enterprise at Jewell's
Island in Casco Bay which he acquired a few years after Jewell's death in 1638 while his wife carried on
the inn at York. On 6 Dec. 1664 he morgaged his houses, lands, fish houses, etc. as security for a contract
to deliver a quantity of fish. The court records show that Frances and Henry were living apart prior to 1667
and she was authorized to retain for her own use what she had made by her own industry, she having a
tavern license in 1669. This was about the time of Nicholas Davis' death and as they were next-door
neighbors she may have assumed the management of his old inn.(7) In 1671 Frances furnished two barrels
of beer for the county courts. On 2 Apr. 1660 Frances and her daughters Sarah and Margaret received a
deed of land from the widow Ann Godfrey "for love and affection". In 1676 Henry was again an innkeeper
in York.

On 29 Feb. 1671/2 being "stricken in years, and not capeable of manageing my fishing and my Island"
Henry gave his Jewells Island land with his fishing plant to his son Joseph on the condition that he should
have his maintenance there "So long as I please to continue with him there."(8)

Henry appears among the jurors in 1650 and in 1653, and on the grand jury in 1651 and 1660. He was a
selectman in 1661, 1666, 1673, 1677-9, and in 1683.

Henry took the oath of allegience to Massachusetts 22 Nov. 1652.(9) (See page 745)

He, along with many others, was not satisfied with the division of Godfrey's land and they signed a petition
to the general court in Boston stating their view. However, the awards were never changed.(10) (see page
746)

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For maps of York’s Lower Town from Banks' History of York, and a map of York showing the homes of
the people who signed the submission to Massachusetts in 1652 see pages 748-9.

Henry was evidently satisfied with the Massachusetts government as he did sign the petition to Cromwell
which referred to the complaints presented to the Protector by "some gentlemen of worth" (i.e. Godfrey) for
restitution of their right of jurisdiction and asked that they be not heeded, intimating that they are instigated
by "professed Royalists whose breathings that way... have been so farre stifled."(11) His son Thomas did
not sign this petition. However, both Henry and Thomas signed the "govern or get out" petition which was
an indictment of incompetency with a notice that they would expect "due & seasonable performance" of
Massachusetts' obligations to maintain law and order: "Your tollerating such an inconsiderate number of
opposers frequently to violate & trample upon yr authority & laws, as cannot be altogether unknowne to
you, to the obstruction of Justice, infringeing our Lybertys, deviding our peace and if not speedily
prevented by your Worships, may as the case stands, snarl us in the bonds of Inextricable & prejudiciall
Injuries, upon whom, under God, & our dread sovereigne wee looke att our selves Ingaged att present to
depend for our security & releife."(12)

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Oath of Allegience

Henry gave a deposition concerning John Pullman's estate 24 Sept. 1680.(13)

Last mention of Henry in public records was made in 1687 but, the inventory of his estate was not made
until 25 April 1693.(14)

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Map of York- Alcock's Neck and the beach- from Banks' History of York

Issue-

2I. THOMAS- b.c.1636, m. ELIZABETH (3) WEARE, d. 1699

 II. John- killed by falling into an open pit at Kittery Point in 1664 (Col. Banks says it happened at
Robert Wadleigh's house in Wells).
 III. Mary- b.c.1644
 IV. Samuel-b.c.1645/6, m. Alice Chadbourne, d. 9 Mar. 1718 In the fall of 1692 Samuel's son William,
age 7, was "given as a captive and taken to Canada and never returned". Some years later a party of Indians
along with William came to York and members of the Donnell family encouraged him to stay, however, he
refused. William took the name Orono and became the enigmatic "blue-eyed chief" Sachem of the
Penobscot Nation.(15)
 V. Joseph- m. by 1680 Ruth Redding, d by 1698
 VI. Benjamin- d.s.p. 1678
 VII. Nathaniel- d.s.p. 1682

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 VIII. Sarah-
 IX. Margaret- d. before 5 May 1685
 X. Henry?

Ref:

(1) History of York, Maine- Banks, Vol.1, p.143

(2) York Deeds- Vol.2, p.160
(3) History of York, Maine- Banks, Vol.1, p.140
(4) Ibid- Vol.2, p.288
(5) Ibid- p.321
(6) Ibid- Vol.1, p.143
(7) Ibid- Vol.2, p.322
(8) York Deeds- Vol.7, p.86
(9) Mass. Archives- Vol.3, p.199
(10) Ibid-p.237
(11) Ibid- p.242
(12) Ibid- p.269
(13) York Deeds- Vol.5, p.4
(14) York town records- Vol.I, p.19
(15) Orono: The Great Sachem- James Vickery, Maine Historical Society Quarterly, Vol.32, No. 2, Fall
1992, pp.134ff

Donnell Genealogy- George Ernst, York Library

Pioneers on Maine Rivers- Wilbur D. Spencer, p.138
History of Portland- p.293
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- p.199
Pioneers of Maine & New Hampshire- Pope, p.138

2I. THOMAS (HENRY 1)

b.c. 1630
m. ELIZABETH (3) WEARE (living in 1702)
d.c. 1699, division of estate 28 June 1707(1)

On 3 July 1660: "For Yorke Francis Raynes confirmed captaine, John Davesse Leeft. and Thos. Donnell
allowed at present to carry the colours."(2) The ensign was a commissioned officer but, York was to get on
with an acting ensign.

Thomas was granted land with Arthur Bragdon from Roger's Cove to Old Mill Creek to the Kittery line in
1668. He also bought Mr. Edward Johnson's former homestead.

Thomas was a fisherman until at least 1672, later he was a turner evidently having a foot powered lathe for
fashioning wood into forms for furniture and staircases.(3) In 1672 he was hiring a fishing plant at the
shoals.

Thomas was on the grand jury in 1670, 1671, 1675, 1688, 1693, 1696 and 1697. He was a selectman in
1693.(4) He signed the Oath of Allegience to Massachusetts 22 Nov. 1652 in York.(5)

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Map of York- South Side and Raynes' Neck- from Banks' History of York

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"York June the 28th 1707 Pursuant to an ordr to the subscribers directed by the Honble Joseph Hammond
Esqr Judg of Probate &c bareing date April the 2nd 1707 for to make a divisn of the Estate of thomas doniel
Late of York in the county of York deseased according to Law which we have don according to our
judment and by the best information before us and that also by the Relation to sd Estate the which we fine
to be apprisd £213=05=08: In the first place have taken out of the movables the charges due fro sd estate

Imp an accoumpt sworn to before the abovesd Judg: 08=12=02

3- for our charges in dividing sd Estate 00=10=10
4ly The Widdow third part of the movables Remain 12=11=02
we have allowed for ould farrows and carte 01=14=01
wheels Rotten and now of no use
have granted that the widdow shall have ye soule
use and Priveledg of the one halfe of ye home
Lott of Land both for ( )
and all the ould hosen theiron att 41 £ 55=00=01
and the use of the one halfe of three acres of
marsh lining the north west branch of York
River att 6£ during her Life
with sixteen acres of Land on the South
West side of york River prisd att 8£
The Eldest Son John doniels dubble share is: 45=00=00
he hath alreddy Receaved 09-09-00
also allotted him to have the one halfe of
the home place with his mother of Land
for quantety and quallety att 39 pounds
which is three pounds nine shillings more
then his share: ordered to pay it to his sister Sarah
2nd son Benjemen Doniel a single share is 22=10=00
he hath alredy Reseaved of sd Estate 1=9
he is appointed to have forty acres of Land on
the south west side of the River of york
on the south est side of thatt Lott of Land
and is to have halfe the bredth there off att 40£
and two acres of marsh upon the south west
branch of york River joyning to Ensign
bankes marsh att 8£ which is: 6£=19s= more ten share
to be paid to his sister hannah doniel
3rd son nathall Doniel a singl share
a Lotted to have a hundred acres of land upon
the south east of the south west branch of
york River joyning to the cove of marsh
known by the name of doniels Cove as also
the cove of marsh with it prised att 25£
which is two pounds 10s more then his share which
being orddered to pay to his sister sarah doniels
4ly dafter Sarah doneil singell shares 22=10=00
to be paid by the adminestratx 10£: 11s=00
to be paid by John doniel 03=09=00
to be paid by Nathll doniel 02=10=00
1 1/2 acres of marsh upon ye
south west branch of york R 06=00=00
with her mother 6£ 22=10=00
Hannah doniell singll share 22=10=00
alotted to have 24 acres of Land on the southwest
side of york River joyning to her brother Benjemen

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on the northwest side prisd: 12£-00=00
benjm doniel to pay her 06=19=00
the Administratx to pay her 03-11=00
£22=10=00

To the Honrble Joseph Hammond Esq

York July the pr us Abram Preble
first: 1707 Abram Preble: Jnr
daniel Black
Lewis Bane
Joseph Banks"(6)

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Issue-

 3I. JOHN- b.c.1660, m.1. HANNAH (3) MILBURY 2. after 1712 Sarah Young Brooking Linscott, d.
1744
 II. Sarah- b.c. 1663, d.s.p. Boston, MA, 3 Sept. 1734
 III. Hannah- d.s.p. Boston
 IV. Nathaniel- int. 14 May 1711 Elizabeth Todd of Rowley, MA, d.c.1761
 V. Benjamin- m. Mary Harmon (m. 28 Dec. 1709 Joseph Holt) killed by Indians at Winter Harbor
(Biddeford Pool) 21 Sept. 1707

Ref:

(1) York Registry of Probate- Inv. 28 June 1707

(2) Maine Province & Court Records- Vol.II, p.96
(3) History of York, Maine- Banks, Vol.2, p.207
(4) Mass. Archives- Vol.III, p.390
(5) Ibid-Vol. 1, p.199
(6) York County Probate Court- no2, fol.8

Donnell Genealogy- George Ernst

New England Miniature- A History of York, Maine- George Ernst
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- pp.199-200
Mass. Archives- Vol.III, p.193, 269
3I. JOHN (HENRY 1, THOMAS 2)

b.c.1660
m.1. HANNAH (3) MILBURY
2. after 1712 Sarah Young (m.1. Henry Brooking, 2. John Linscott)
d.c. 1744

John inherited the homestead of his father which had been the property of Edward Johnson including
Hancock wharf and part of the golf course to Lindsay Rd. He apparently lived on Organug Rd. at Sewall's
Bridge. Like his father John was a turner.

"I John Donnell of York in the County of York in New England... bequeath to my well beloved Wife Sarah
Donnell one third Part of all my Personal Estate for ever the use of my Dwelling House & a gardon too
Rods Square Fencd with a bord fence whare She Shall chuse it the ceaping of one Cow & Six Sheep Winter
& Summer for Life & eight Bushels of indion Corn & too Bushels of Rie one Hundred weight of Pork &
one Hondred weight of Beaf and eight Cords of Wood Corded up at her Door Annualy for life to be payd
by Son Thomas itum I bequeath to each of my Daughter viz Abigail Elisabeth Rebeckah Mary and
Jemimah five Pounds a Piece in Province Bils of the new tenner or lawful Silver Munny to be Paid by my
Son thomas and too thirds of my Personal Estate to be Equely devided among them I order my Son Thomas
to pay all my Debts & bury me decently itum I bequeath to my only Son Thomas Donnell and his Heires
and Assigns for ever all my Real Estate he Paying and alowing all the Leageses above Mentioned and I
appoint my said Son to be the Sole Executer to this my Will and do by these Preasents Revoke and make
void all former Wills Signed Sealed And Declared by the sd John Donnell to be His last Will and
Testament March 29 1738

In the Preasence of us John donnell

Joseph Holt
Saml Sewall
William duning
Henry Ingraham"

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"An Inventory of all and Singular the Goods Chattels Rights an Credits of Mr John Donnell late of York...
this Seventh Day of April 1746...

Im his wearing apparrell........................2=17=6

Im one hat 10/ to two Canes 12/.......... ..1=2=0
Im old iron ware.......................................1=3=0
Im one Bead and Beden...........................4=0=0
Im a old fier Shovell & toungs.................0=5=0
Im one Cow..............................................4=0=0
Im an old fearry boat..............................1=10=0
Im forty five acres of Land at Seven
pound ten Shill pr Acre......................337=10=0
Im three acres of Salt marsh at ten
pound pr acre.........................................30=0=0
_________
John Woodbridge £382:7:6
Benja Holt Aprisers
Norton Woodbridge"(1)

Issue-

 I. Thomas- m.1. 1730 Elizabeth Harns 2. 1739 Miriam Preble

 4II. ABIGAIL - m. JOSEPH (11) YOUNG
 III. Elizabeth-
 IV. Rebecca-
 V. Mary- m. 1. 1727 Anthony Baker, 2. 1733 Wymond Bradbury Jr.
 VI. Jemima- d. 27 April 1786

Ref:

(1) York Co. Registry of Probate- No.449 (1746)

Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- p.199

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