Who Said What about John Albro of Portsmouth, Rhode Island
In what follows we document what an extensive list of early authorities have reported about John Albro of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. You will find that many of the “authorities” contradict each other on matters such as his date and/or place of birth and situation in life. What is presented here is presented without comment, interpretation or evaluation. This collection of data covers approximately all we have to draw upon to document our beliefs and impressions about John Albro of Portsmouth, and is presented for your use in documenting those claims you choose to accept.
Austin, John Osborne, “The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island. Comprising Three Generations of Settlers Who Came Before 1690 (With Many Families Carried to the Fourth Generation), Orig. Pub. Albany, NY 1887, Reprinted Genealogical Publ. Co., 1969. pages 234-236.
John, b.1617, d.Dec 14, 1712; married Dorothy Porter, widow of Nathaniel. She b. 1617, d. Feb 19, 1696. Apr 30, 1634 John embarked in ship Francis, from Ipswich for New England, under the care of William Freeborn. Age called 14, not exact. 1638 He accompanied William freeborn to Rhode Island. 1639 granted a lot if he would build within a year. 1644 Corporal, rising successively in later years to Lieutenant, Captain, Major. 1649 chosen to view cattle and also Clerk of Weights & Measures. Soon after a member of Town Council, serving frequently as Moderator even unto old age. 1655 Freeman. 1660-1661 Commissioner. 1661 on a committee to receive contributions for agents to England. 1666 with two others, appointed to take areas of all highways and driftways not set off. 1670 with three others, lent the colony 7 pounds on behalf of Portsmouth. 1671-72-77-78-79-80-81-82-83-84-85-86 Assistant. Apr 4, 1676 He and three others had care and disposal of a barrel of gunpowder for the defense of Portsmouth. He was appointed commissioner with others to order watch & ward of the Island, necessary because of the “King Philip War.” The same year it was voted “that in these troublesome times and straits in this colony, the Assembly desiring to have the advice and concurrence of the most judicious inhabitants, if it may be had for the good of the whole, do desire at their sitting the company and counsel” of sixteen individuals, among them Captain John Albro. Aug 24, 1676, a member of the Court Martial held at Newport for the trial of certain Indians. 1677 on a committee in the matter of injurious and illegal acts of Connecticut. 1679 On a committee to draw up a letter to the king, giving a true account of the territory of Mount Hope and of the late war with the Indians. 1679 he with another was appointed to lay out the western line of the colony. Jan 14, 1685 Major John Albro, Assistant and Coroner, summoned a jury in case of an Indian found dead upon Clay Pit lands. Verdict – Indian got drunk and froze to death. Dec 30, 1686 – Member of Sir Edmund Andros' Council and present at their first meeting in Boston on this date. Members sworn to allegiance and due administration of justice. 1697 allowed 20 shillings for going to Boston. Dec 28, 1710 – his will, proved 1713, Ex. Son-in-law John Anthony and latter's wife Susannah. Overseers William Sanford and Giles Slocum. [long excerpt follows] Children given as Samuel (1644-1739), Elizabeth (?-1720), Mary (?-aft.1710), John (?-1724), Susannah (?-aft,1715).
1-JOHN.
Portsmouth, R. I.
1634. He embarked in ship "Francis" from Ipswich, England, for New
England, under the care of William Freeborn, whose age
was entered as 40, wife Mary, 33, daughter Mary, 7, daughter Sarah, 2,
and John Alburgh, 14. The entries of ages were not
exact, as was often the case, in making returns to the officials.
1637. William Freeborn was disarmed in Boston for favoring Wheelwright,
and the next year went to Rhode Island, where he
died 1670, 4, 8. With him to Rhode Island came John Albro, and he was
thus among the first comers, and would doubtless
have been a signer of the compact next year at Portsmouth with William
Coddington, William Freeborn, Randall Holden, etc.,
had he been of full age.
1638, 3, 7. The Compact alluded to, and which was signed under this
date, is short, but expressive, "We, whose names are underwritten,
do here solemnly in the presence of Jehovah, incorporate ourselves
into a Bodie Politick, and as he shall help, will submit
our persons, lives and estates unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of
Kings and Lord of Lords, and to all those perfect
and most absolute lawes of his, given us in his holy word of truth, to
be guided and judged thereby."
1639. He had a lot granted him at Portsmouth, if he would build within
one year.
1644. Corporal. 1660, '61, '64, '66, '68, '70, '72, Lieutenant. 1675,
'77, '80, Captain. 1680, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, etc.
Major.
1649. Chosen to view cattle, and also Clerk of weights and measures. He
was soon after a member of the Town Council, and
served frequently as Moderator of Town meetings during his long life,
even officiating in old age.
1655. On the Roll of Freemen of Portsmouth (71 in all). His name is
variously spelt upon the records, Albro, Aldborough,
Allsberre, etc.
1658, 3. 7. He sold 9 acres to Daniel Wilcox.
1660, '61. Commissioner. In the latter year he signed with others for a
tract in Misquamicut (Westerly), but he never went
there to settle. Same year, on a committee to receive contributions
for Agents in England.
1666. He with William Hall and John Briggs, Senior, were chosen to take
the area of all highways and driftways not set off.
1670. He and three others together, lent the Colony œ7, on account
of Portsmouth.
1671, '72, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86. Assistant.
1676, 4. 4. He and three others were to have the care and disposal of a
barrel of powder for supply of Portsmouth; and it was
also ordered that the two great guns now in the yard of the late
deceased Wm. Brenton, be pressed for country's service, and
carried to Portsmouth; and placed, one on the Ferryneck, and one near
John Borden's.
1676. Appointed Commissioner with James Barker and Richard Bailey to
order watch and ward of the Island. This vigilance
was rendered necessary by the war with King Philip, the powerful and
sagacious Indian Sachem. In the same year--"Voted,
that in these troublesome times and straits in this Colony, the
Assembly desiringe to have the advice and concurrence of the most
juditious inhabitants, if it may be had for the good of the whole, doe
desire at their sittynge, the company and counsel of Mr.
Benedict Arnold, Mr. John Clarke, Mr. James Barker, Capt. John Albro,
Wm. Carpenter, Capt. Randall Holden, Obadiah
Holmes, Wm Vaughan, Wm Hiscox, Christopher Holder, Philip Shearman, Wm
Wodel, George Lawton, Robert Hodgson, Capt.
John Greene, Gregory Dexter; and the General Sergeant to inform the
several persons the Assembly's desire therein."
1677. On a committee to see persons to advance money, and to collect
it, for Agents who were to be sent to England to present
the grievances of the Colony against the intrusions of Connecticut.
The same year he was on a committee with the Deputy
Governor and five Assistants in the matter of injurious and illegal
acts of Connecticut.
1679. On a committee with seven others to draw up a letter to His
Majesty the King, giving true account of the territory of
Mount Hope and of the late war with the Indians.
1679, 12, 5. At this date 7630 acres in Narragansett were laid out by
Samuel Wilbur, etc., to twenty-five persons, amongst whom
was John Albro's son Samuel, who had gone to Narragansett a few years
previously. The same year John Albro and another,
were appointed to run the westerly line of the Colony.
1683. He with others prohibited Gov. Cranfield of N. H. from exercising
his authority in Narragansett.
1685, 1, 14. Major John Albro, Assistant and Coroner, summoned a Jury
in the case of an Indian found dead upon Clay Pit
lands. Verdict "That the said Indian being much distempered with
drink, was bewildered, and by the extremity of the cold
lost his life the said 12th day of this instant, in the night."
It fell to John Albro in his office of Assistant, to perform the
ceremony of marriage often in his town.
1686, 12, 30. The first meeting of Sir Edmund Andros' council was held
at Boston. The notice to the members who were commissioned
by King James 11 to represent R. I., was sent them eight days before.
There were present besides His Excellency
Sir Edmund Andros, eighteen of his council, including R. I. members
viz.: John Coggeshall, Richard Arnold, Walter Clarke,
Walter Newbury and John Albro. The members were sworn not only to
allegiance, but for due administration of justice. (The
enforced abdication of Andros upon accession of William and Mary
occurred 1689.)
1697. Ordered that Major John Albro shall have 20 s. for going to
Boston with John Borden. He was now eighty years old but
still active.
1710, 12, 28. Will, proved 1713. Ex. son-in-law John Anthony, and
daughter Susannah, wife to John Anthony. Overseers,
Wm. Sanford and Giles Slocum. Witnesses, Francis Brayton, David
Brayton, Wm. Sanford. To son John Albro all land south
easterly of a line "beginning at a white thorn bush standing at the
circuit corner, so running upon a straight line to Henry
Brightman's fence where his and mine join together," etc. To grandsons
John Anthony and Albro Anthony all the land on northwesterly
side of the line mentioned. He mentions land his son John bought of
Nathaniel Potter. Besides the land given his two
grandsons John and Albro Anthony, which consisted of about 30 acres,
he also gave them his housing and orchards, etc.; but
they to pay legacies. If either of them wanted to sell, their
grandfather desires that it should be one to the other. To grand-daughter
Sarah Anthony œ80 New England silver money; œ40 when 18 and
balance when 25. If my daughter Susanna outlive her
husband, then she to have equal privilege with her sons in house and
lands during her life, and not to be turned out of same.
To grandson Albro Anthony a bed, chest, etc.; and to grandson John
Anthony also a bed, chest, 5 sheep, and great bible. To
grand-daughter Sarah Anthony looking glass, chest, 2 pewter platters,
and 5 sheep. To son John Albro 1 cow, and 2 napkins,
and to John's children 40 s. to be divided equally between them. To
children of son Samuel 50 shillings to be divided in like
manner. In both cases to be reckoned at 17 pwt. To daughter Mary Hicks
1 cow and 2 napkins. To daughter Elizabeth
Congdon 50 s. in silver money at 17 pwt., 1 bolster case, 1 pair
sheets, 2 pewter platters. Daughter Susannah Anthony 2 cows,
1 heifer, feather bed upon which she lyeth, and my warming pan,
stillyards, spice mortar, brass kettle, lanthorn, old brass kettle,
little brass kettle, little iron pot, skillet. To grand-daughter
Dorothy Bentley, daughter of my son Samuel 16 s. All rights
in Misquamicut purchase equally to sons John and Samuel. All the rest
of movable estate to daughter Susannah. Receipts
were given (1714, 6, 15) by sons Samuel and John and danghters Mary
and Elizabeth (all signing by mark) as having received
their portions.
The Friends' Records, in recording the death of John Albro, state that
he "was buried in his own orchard."
Bartlett, John Russell, ed., “Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England”, Vol. I 1636 to 1663, Providence, R.I., A Crawford Greene and Brother, State Printers, 1856.
p.72: A lot given to John Alborah on the condition he build on it within a year, or forfeit. (1639)
p.127: At General Court of Election held at Newport the 13th of the first month, 1644, Military Officers chosen for Portsmouth included John Alsborow, Corporal. At this meeting it was decided that Aquothneck Island shall be called the Isle of Rhodes, or Rhode Island.
p.299: John Alsberre is listed as a freeman of Portsmouth (1655).
p.428: Lieut. John Albro a member for Portsmouth of the General Court of Commissioners held for the Colony at Portsmouth 22nd of May, 1660.
p.437: Lieut. John Albro a member for Portsmouth of the General Court of Commissioners held for the Colony at Newport 21st of May, 1661.
Bartlett, John Russell, ed., “Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England”, Vol. II 1664 to 1677, Providence, R.I., A Crawford Greene and Brother, State Printers, 1857.
p.22: Lieutenant John Albro, Deputy under Mr. Benedict Arnold, governor; General Assembly sitting at Newport, March 1st, 1663/64.
p.146: Mr. John Albro, Deputy under Mr. Benedict Arnold, governor, General Assembly held at Newport May 2nd, 1666.
p.150: Leut. John Albro, Deputy under Mr. William Brenton, governor, General Assembly held at Newport, September 4th, 1666.
p.527: Capt. John Albro, Deputy for Portsmouth to the General Assembly at Newport, May 4th, 1675, under Mr. William Coddington, governor.
p.534: Captain John Albro and three others in Portsmouth, other appointees in other towns, to be empowered to appoint their own men to judge whether the persons assigned as keepers to watch over any Indians (servants or slaves) are sufficient to ensure the security of the inhabitants therefrom. 13 March 1675/76. Further voted that no Indian shall be a slave.
Beaman, Alden G., Ph.D.,"A Line of Descent from John Albro of Portsmouth", R.I. Genealogical Register, Vol.1, No.1, (1986) p.30.
gives his dates of birth and death as 1617 and 14 December 1712 respectively. It states that his wife Dorothy had been the widow of Nathaniel Potter. In Beaman's "A Line of Descent From Nathaniel Potter of Portsmouth", R.I. Genealogical Register, Vol.20, p.35, he refers to Dorothy as "According to secondary sources which cited no evidence, she was Dorothy Allen."
Will dated 24 or 28 Dec 1710, proved 19 of 11 month 1712/13, pgs 216-218 including receipts. Mentions: Sons John Albro & Samuel Albro. Daughters Mary Hicks, Elizabeth Congdon, & Susanna Anthony wife of John Anthony of Po. Grandsons Albro Anthony & John Anthony. Granddaughter Sarah Anthony under 18 daughter of daughter Susanna Anthony. Granddaughter Dorothy Bentley daughter of son Samuel Albro. William Sanford & Giles Slocum overseers. Wittn: Francis Brayton, ? Brayton & William Sanford.
Beck, Mrs. H. W., “One Line of Descent from John Albro of Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island”, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, Vol.27, No.1, Fall 1963, p.11.
John Albro born in England, “perhaps at Warwickshire in 1617.” Came to America from Ipswich, England in 1634 at around 17 years of age, on the Francis under the care of William Freeborne and settled in Boston, MA. About 1637 he went with Freeborne to Rhode Island and settled at Portsmouth, Newport County, where he died in 1712 in his 96th year and was “buried in his own orchard. Lots granted to John Alborah and others in 1639 on condition they build on them within a year or forfeit. Made a Corporal in 1644 and progressed to lieutenant, captain and major. Served in Town Council, was a commissioner for the colony in 1660 and 1661, at times moderated town meetings, and was a commissioner at the colony's General Assembly between 1671 and 1686. Appointed on 22 Dec 1686 by Edmund Andros, governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England, to be a member of his Council. John Alborough was present with this first Council “held in Boston, New England, on Thursday, December 30th, 1686.”
Benns, Martha A., “Notes on the Albro Family of Rhode Island”, manuscript prepared at the library of the Rhode Island Historical Society, 1942. John Albro of Portsmouth discussed on p.1.
John Albro b.1617, d.Nov 1, 1712 in 96th year. Married Dorothy Potter (wid of Nathaniel), she b. 1617, d. Feb 19, 1696. Children Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Susanna. Will of John of Portsmouth in Portsmouth Bk.2 p.216, Dec 28, 1710 proved Jan 12, 1713. Cites Narragansett Hist. Reg. Vol.I, No.4, p.253.
Duncanson, John Victor, "Newport Nova Scotia - A Rhode Island Township", Mika Publishing Co., Belleville, Ontario, 1985, pp.81-86.
Cites as authorities Barbara Bell Poblocki, Coral Gables, Florida; Alden G. Beaman, “A Line of Descent from John Albro of Portsmouth”, Rhode Island Genealogical Register, v.1, no.1, p.30-31.
John Albro b. 1617 Warwickshire, England; d. 14 Dec. 1712 Portsmouth, R. I.; m. Mrs. Dorothy Potter. Children Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Susanna.
Farmer, John, “A Genealogical Register of the First Settlers of New England”, Orig. Pub. Lancaster, MA 1829, Facsimile Reprinted by Heritage Books, Inc., Bowie, Maryland, 2000, p.12.
Alborow, John, Rhode Island, was one of Sir Edmund Andros' council, 1687.
ALBRO, John, b. in Eng. In 1617, came to Boston, Mass., in 1634 in charge of William Freeborn, and removed to Portsmouth, R.I., in 1638.
Hotten, John Camden, "The Original Lists of Persons of Quality 1600-1700", Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1978, p.278.
Lists him as John Aldburgh, age 14, traveling with William & Mary Frebourne (ages 40 & 33) and their children Sarah (2) and Mary (7) on the Francis out of Ipswich, John Cutting, Master, departing April 30, 1634, entry at Ipswich Customhouse November 1634. In this report William & Mary are listed as "Frebourne" and their children as "Freebourne".
“John Albro's Deposition of 1705 as to The Purchase of Aquidnick with Coddington's Deposition of 1687”, Printed for the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations by E.L. Freeman Co., Providence, RI, 1938.
Reported himself to be ”upwards of 88”.
Peirce, Ebenezer W., “Civil, military and professional lists of Plymouth and Rhode Island colonies, comprising colonial, county and town officcers, clergymen, physicians and lawyers. With extracts from colonial laws defining their duties, 1621 – 1700”. , Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co., 1968.
Lieut. John Albro listed as Governor's Assistant in 1660, 1661, 1666, 1668 (p.131), 1670, 1671, 1675, 1677 (Capt. John Albro), 1678, 1679, 1680, 1681 (Maj. John Albro), 1683, 1684, 1685 (p.132.)
John Albro was Major Commandant for Portsmouth May 5, 1680, to May 2, 1683. (p.141.)
John Albro promoted to Major on May 5, 1680. (p.143.)
Pendry, Mrs. Alice Simonton Seibenthal (Vevey Indiana, 1943) and Conder, Darrell W. (Pasadena, California, 1990), “THE ALBRO FAMILY HISTORY - INFORMATION FROM RHODE ISLAND, NEW YORK, SWITZERLAND CO. INDIANA, GALLATIN & GRAYSON COUNTIES KENTUCKY”, manuscript,
The Albro family in the United States begins with the immigration of John Albro from Ipswich England. He left England on the ship "Francis" under the care of one William Freeborn. The ship records state that he was near 14 years old, however his age at death places his birth year at 1617. In 1638 John Albro accompanied William Freeborn to Rhode Island thus becoming one of the first settlers of Portsmouth. In 1639 he was granted a lot to build on. Beginning in 1644 he joined the militia as a corporal rising successively in the following years to the offices of Lieutenant, Captain, and Major. He served as a member of the Town Council, and later served as Moderator of the town meetings, even when well advanced in years. There are many different records in Portsmouth concerning John Albro, one states that he loaned 7 pounds sterling to the town in 1670. In 1676 he was appointed commissioner to order, watch, and ward the island. This vigilance was rendered necessary by the war with King Philip. The commission states that in these troublesome times and straits in this colony, the Assembly desiring to have the advice and concurrence of the most judicious inhabitants, if it may be had for the good of the whole, do desire at their sitting the company and counsel" among the sixteen individuals, was Capt. John Albro. On 24 August he was a member of the Court Martial held at Newport for the trial of certain Indians. 1679, he was on a committee to draw up a letter to the King of England giving an account of the late war with the Indians. 14 Jan. 1685, Major John Albro, Coroner, summoned a jury in the case of an Indian found dead upon Clay Pitts land. Verdict; 11 that the said Indian being much distempered with drink was bewildered and by the extremity of the cold lost his life" It was part of his office to perform many marriages, and many early marriages were performed by him. While in his eightieth year he journeyed to Boston on business of the colony, and was allowed 20 shillings for the service.
John Albro married Dorothy Potter, the widow of Nathaniel Potter. She was born in 1617 and died 19 Feb. 1696. To date no records have been located that give the maiden name of Dorathy Albro. They had five children;
1. Samuel Albro
4. John Albro
2. Elizabeth Albro
5. Susanna Albro
3. Mary Albro
John Albro made his will on 28 Dec. 1710, and died 1 Nov. 1712. His will was proved in 1713. Some extracts of his will follow; to son John Albro he gives south-easterly of a line "beginning at a white thorn bush" to grandsons John and Albro Anthony, lands north-west of said line, 30 acres in extent, with housing, orchards, they paying legacies. To granddaughter Sarah Anthony, 80 pounds sterling, If daughter Susannah outlived her husband she was to have equal rights with her sons in house and lands. Grandson John Anthony to have a bed and chest, five sheep and great bible, and grandson Albro Anthony, bed , chest. To granddaughter Sarah Anthony lookin glass, chest, two pewter platters and five sheep. To son John Albro one cow and two napkins, and to children of John, 40 shillings equally. To children of son Samuel 50 shillings equally, silver to be reckoned in both cases at 17 pwt. To daughter Mary Hicks, one cow and two napkins. To daughter Elizabeth Congdon, 50 shillings in silver money, one bolster case, one pair sheets, two pewter platters. To daughter Susannah Anthony, five cows, one heifer, one feather bed upon which she lieth, and warming pan, steelyards, spice mortar, brass kettle, lantern. To granddaughter Dorathy Bently, of son Samuel, 16 shillings. All rights in Misquamicut purchase he gave equally to his two sons. Executors were son-in-law John Anthony and Susannah, Wife of John Anthony.
The friends records state that he "was buried in his own orchard".
" From John Albro descends all of the name in the country, unless of
recent emigration" , so states 'Genealogies of Rhode Island'. This does
appear to be a correct statement, as most historians working on the Albro
family in the United States trace their line back to John and Dorothy
Albro.
ref., GENEALOGIES OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILIES Vol. one, Adams-Slack
Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc. Baltimore 1983
ref.; RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, film by the Genealogical Society
of Salt Lake City Utah, filmed at Providence R.I. 17 July 1950 roll # 22322
**arrived in Boston Mass. in 1634
Portsmouth town council meeting records as quoted in the Narragansett Historical Register, pp.311-312,
further describe (Captain) John Albro's assignments in the defense of Portsmouth. At the April 4, 1676 session a commission was set up, including John Albro, Robert Hodgson and Robert Hazard as representatives from Portsmouth, to appoint militia and boats to aid in the defense of the bay if necessary.
Rhode Island Historical Society, Ed., “The Early Records of the Town of Portsmouth”, Providence, RI, E. L. Freeman & Sons, 1901. References to John Albro on 126 pages.
Index equates John Albro, Alborah, Albrow. At a Mont[hly Meeting in 1639] to John Alborah wa[s given a plot of land on] Condition of building [within a year.] At A Townes metinge November the 21th (1649) Jury men Chosen for present Cort appointed {John Albro listed but crossed out} John Albro is Chosen Sarjant in Thomas Gortons Place. John Albro is Chosen 2 June 1649 to be Clerke of the Waights & measuers. At a towne Meetinge Aprill the 29: 1650 John Albro being Clerke of the waights and measuers is authorized to Call in the townes men … to bringe in theare waights and measuers to be Sealed & Cut, if not fit with the Standard… On April the 29th 1650 John Albro is chosen Clarke of the waights and measuers (accepted). John albro and ffrancis mattingly are Chosen to Veiwe the Cattell that are to be transported to the Ilande.. July the 8th 1650 John Albro chosen a Juryman to attend the town Corte to be holden upon the 16 day of July instant.
June the 16 (1651) Bills of the townes debts John Albro his bill accepted. Thomas Cornell, John Albro, Will Hall and Philip Shearman are Chosen to make the Rate aboue named [30 pounds, divided by number of Cattell which in this case is not to include suckling pigs.] At a townes meetinge the 19th of Januwary (1651) … the Towne hath giuen 6 acres of land to John Albro in the swampe below William Bakars fence in lue of what the Towne oweth the saide John. At a Towne meetingge of the Inhabitants of Portsmoth in Road Iland Aprill the first (1653) it is ordered that mr Sanford, mr Boston, mr porter, Captin moris, lieftenant albro, Ensigne Wilbur and Philip Shearman or any fower of them Consenting shall Consult and determine all matters for defence or offence.
The 7th of April 1656 a letter beinge sent from Nuport to the magistrates of Portsmouth to desire ConCurrence of our towne with theres for the preseruation of the Iland our towne Chose mr William balston, Captain Richard Morris and leiftenant Albro to meete with Nuports thre men as aforesaid. Second day in June (1656) John Albro Chosen one of the towne Councell. Town meetinge July the third (1656) it is voated by the towne that John Albro shall haue his gunn agayne and be aquitted of his rate for service done for the towne. Towne meeting may the 29th (1657) John Albro Chosen of the Towne Councell. Novemer the 20th (1657) It is ordered that Leiutn. John Albro shall have his graunt of land layd out at the head of mr potters ffarme it beinge thirty two acres. November the 30th 1657 It is ordered that Leiuttn. John Albro is added to Richard Burdin and William Hall in the laying out of land in this towne of portsmo. June the 7th 1658 Leiutn. John Alsbro chosen one of The Towne Councell.
May 12 1659 John Albro Chosen to make up the Towne Councell. Att a meettinge of the Townes men of Portsmouth held the 9th of may: 1660 mr John Porter, William Hall, John Sandford, mr Samuell willbore, Edward ffisher, John Albro are Chosen Commishioners for the next Genrl. Court of Election to be held the 22nd of this instant month in this Towne of Portsmouth then and theare to mett and act with the Commisioners of the other Townes, as A Law mackinge Assembly. June 4th 1660 mr John Albro Chosen one Towne Councell. December 27, 1660 Ordred that Mr John Roome, Mr John Brigs, Leftenant John Albrow, Frances Braiton and James badcock are Chosen to Meet upon the third day of Janeuary Next who are to Order all the highways and to see them recorded. January 5th 1660 [because men of Newport have intruded upon Portsmouth land and have moved the boundary stakes, eight men including Lefftenant John Albrow are to put the line back where it was. January 12 1660 the grass of Dyers Island is graunted unto John Albrow and William Corry for ye yeare inshuinge.
January 12th 1660 It is Ordred that Captin Thomas Cooke, Leftenant John Albrow, William wodall & William hall are appointed to survey all our land about our line which Newport men posseses and to straighten ye line, … for which searuice they are to be paid 3 shillings a day apece out of the towne Tresury. 2nd March 1660 mr Richard burden, Leftenant John Albro & William Hall shall within 14 dayes afare the date of this order [notify Thomas Cornell, Jr., Philip Tabor, Thomas Cooke senyor, Thomas Cooke Jr., and Thomas Cornell they may not continue using various parcells of land in the Commons without giving up an equivalent amount of their personal land.] May 11th 1661 … Mr John Albro …{and five others) are Chosen Comitioners for this towne of portsmoth to searue vpon ye Next Comition Court. June the third 1661 Leftenant John Albro Chosen to the towne Counsill for that yeare. Mr William Baulston Tresurar did Exhibet his Accounts to the Assembly; thay Refer the Accounts to mr John portar, leftenant John albrow and William hall to be Audiated. The Auditars doe finde the tresurs Accoumpt to be just and trew…
August 8th 1661 Mr John Albrow did serve on a Crounars Inquest into the death of Richard Elles beinge drounded. Ffebruary the 24th 1661 Leftenant John Albro Chosen to serve on the Graune Jury. Jun the second 1662 Lefft. John Albro Elected to the towne Counsell for that yeare. Dec 19th 1662 ffor as much as there is an order bearinge date Decembar the 3rd 1662 that a Rate of 72 l – 02 sh – 00 should be made for mr John Clarkes supply in England and that there wos three men Chosen to make the aforesaid Rate, the Assembly hath ordered that two men more be added to the former three, Namly Leftenant John Albro and Robart Hazard. Leftenant John Albro is to put in mr Shermans place to go to Newport and there to treate with Newport men about our line…
Lefft John Albro Chosen to be on the towne Counsell in the years: 1665, 1666 (Deputy three times for ye Genrall Court), 1666, 1667, 1668 (also Magistrat), 1669, and the below years in which he served as moderator.
John Albro Chosen Moderator of ye Towne Meetinge in the years: 1675, 1676, 1678, 1679, 1680, (major John Albro on 27th of 10th month 1680), 1681, 1682, 1683, 1684, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1694, 1695.
The 22th of ffeburery 1665/66 Lefft. John Albro Chosen to be on a committee of eleven to set the Rate of 100 poubds to pay mr John Clarke. Meetinge May first 1665 William Hall and Lefft John Albro to see that Joshua Coggshall lainge downe to ye Comon as much land as he receives in return. 21st of March 1665/66 Lefft John Albro and William hall shall Run the line of any man in this towne that hath taken in any of the Comon… 19 October 1666 Capt John Sanford and Lefft John Albro shall receive the rateing previously appointed and are to send it to all the rated men in town. January ye 5th 1666 Lefftenant John Albro submitted a bill of debt about work done at ye fort. Aprill ye 23d 1677 Lefftenant John Albro and 10 others aappointed a committee to Consider of a way to preuent the distruction of wood and timbar in the Comons of this township … June 26th 1667 A bill presented by Lefftenant John Albro of 47 – 19 – 00. Aprill ye 28th 1668 Lefft John Albro Chosen a Deputy for the next Genrall Court. Since William Earle and William Corry set up a windmill on Brigs Hill, Leftenant Albro and William Hall are to lay out two acres of land for them in exchange. July ye first 1668 those appointed to audit payments of old rats [rates] not having done it, Left John Albro is added to them and they are to have it done by the next meeting. (Subsequently extended another month.) 16th Octobar 1668 mr John Albro Chosen Debuty for Octobar Court. At the March 8th meeting the above auditors were given authority to enforce the rates on those who have not paid. John Albro and three others chosen Deputies for the next Genrl. Assemblies to be held in March and May of 1669/70. June 27th 1670 Lt. John Albro Chossen a Deputy to sitt at the next Genrl. Assembly on Speciall occasion Called and to Sitt at Warwick the 29th of this instant month June.
3 of Decembr 1670 Lt John Albro and three others to Lay out land as requested by Nathanill potter. Aprill 26th 1671 Lt John Albro among four chosen to Veiw and Surveigh ffences. Also Lt John Albro and mr William Hall to Lay out land from the Comon to be exchanged with land of Thomas Lawton. 25th of April 1672 Edward ffisher, Edward Lay, Lt John Albro and George Lawton are chosen Survayers for ffences in this towne. 10th October 1673 mr William Hall and Captn. John Albro are added to the list of three Surviveors [surveyors] who can resolve disputes between neighbors over property lines. Aprill 21st 1674 a Committee set up to draft guidelines for the evaluation of proposed freemen to be admitted to the towne that persons who are not free-borne may have limited privileges; John Albro put on this committee. 9 April 1675 Captn. John Albro and three others Chossen Deputys for the two next Genrl. Assemblys to be held at Newport in May next. 16th of July 1675 nine persons incl. Captn. John Albro to make the rate of one hundred and 20 pounds. 12th of October 1675, Captn. John Albro Chossen both Moderator and second deputy. 2nd of October 1677 John Albro senior on a committee to determine who may plant on the Comons and how much they should be charged; also a committee to straighten Lines of mens Lands. December the 31th 1678 John Albro with six others to make the rate of 68 pounds. John Albro moderator this day. John Albro and three others a Committee to meet with foure Newport men to adjudge and audit all accounts depending betwixt Newport and Portsmouth and only Growing because of the late Indian wars. 12th of the 9th moneth 1680 John Albro and John Sanford are Chosen to, with the other Auditters to Auditt John Clarks account.
27th of 10th moneth 1680 major John Albro and five others are Chosen a Committee betrusted and fully Empowered in the name of this Town to Let, Set or vLease out unto any person or persons, for any term of years not Exceeding Seven, the Island Called Hog Island belonging to this Town…and for Such Rent and on Such terms as they the Said Committee or the Said major part of them Shall agree on. 6th of the 4th month 1681 major John Albro and three others Chosen to Auditt the Town Treasurers accounts. 9th of the 5th moneth 1681 major John Albro and five others are Chosen and Impowered to make the rate of 20 pounds. 4th of the 4th moneth 1683 major John Albro and three others Chosen to Audit the accounts of William Wodell the Late Town Treasurer. 12th of the 10th month 1684 major John Albro and six others chosen a Committee to meet with major Peleg Sanford about the confirmation or Enlargement of thev Estate or Right of this Island with Intention of good to both Towns on the Island and all the freeholders therein.
First of the 4th moneth 1685 major John Albro and seven others are chosen a Committee to meet with the Late purchasers of the Remainders and Revertions of Rhode Island with or without the men of Newport, for making firm and Efectuall Deed or Deeds for the Confirmation of Said purchase. 9th day of the second month (Aprill) 1686 major John Albro and 10 others Selected a Committee to determine how to divide the commons or vndevided Lands in this Township. 24th of the 7th month 1687 major John Albro and John Borden are Chosen and Appointed to go to boston and Rightly Inform his Exelency Concerning the affairs of hog Island for which now John Borden is Arrested. 2nd day of March 1687/88 major John Albro and nine others to go to boston as commanded by his Exelencies to make our Rights and Claimes appear unto the [lands claimed by Capt. Thomas Townsend]. 2nd of the 4th month 1690 major John Albro and four others nominated, chosen and Impowered a Committee to Enquire and Search into the Complaint that several persons have Taken in Comon, and Rectifie the Same and cause the Said Commons to be Laid open according to the Discression of the Said committee or the major part of them. 16th of the 12th month 1693/94 major John Albro and eight others chosen a committee ffully Impowered to Audit This Towns accounts with John Borden concerning hog Island So that it may be ffree to be disposed for the Towns benefit. 22th of the 12th month 1693/94 major John Albro shall be the surveyor with three assistants to Survey the south side of town and divide it into small lots.
The Eare marke of Lefftenant Albr is a Crope on ye Right Eare about the middle of ye Eare & a slitt downe from ye Crope to ye Rout of ye same Eare, and a hapeny one the fore side of ye Left Eare of Nere vpon 30 yeares Standinge and Entred vpon Record the 30th of novemba 1667 by me Richard Bulgar towne Clarke.
14th of instant month January 1684 major John Albro was Assistant and Corroner required to view the body of an Indian found dead, and hold a coroners inquest, The Indian was found to have frozen to death because of having been insensible with drink. 18th of September 1673 another inquest held under Assistant and Corroner major John []bro on the death by hanging of a Scotsman John Crage. Judged a suicide.
John Albro, assistant, did join in marriage Elizabeth Wilbur and morris ffreelove, 9th ffebruary 1680/81. Joined Samuel Shearman and Martha Tripp on 23rd ffebruary 1680/81. Joined William Shearman and Martha Wilbur on 12th of May 1681. Joined Benjamin Engell and mary Tripp on the 4th day of April 1682.
16th of 2nd month 1697 major John Albro Shall have Twenty Shillings in money paid unto him by the Town Treasurer for his going to Boston with John Borden. {note: recall that the trip was in 1687! PWA]
25th May 1786 John Albro and William Hall witnessed a deed of sale of land from William Baulston to Dainell Willcook. John Albro sold nine acres of land to Danell Willcoke the seventh of march 1658. John Albro witnessed a settlement of the intestate estate of Joseph Waite who drowned 25th of August 1665. Ninth month 1664 John Albro was a witness on the will of Alice Couland. He witnessed the sale of property by Robert hodgson to Ralph Couland 8th October 1667. John Albro and six others as appointed by ye Towne Counsell 7th October 1667 did determine the disposition of the estate of Samson Shotton deceased. John Albro with ffrancis Brayton and John Sanford reported to the Town Counsell meetinge 10th October 1673 on the illegal moving of the tree markes of the boundry of the Towne by one Hugh Moisser, encroachinge on the land of David Vahans. [note: John Albro and John Sandford signed their names while ffrancis Brayton signed with his mark. PWA.]
Savage, James, “A GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY of THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND, SHOWING THREE GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE MAY, 1692, ON THE BASIS OF FARMER'S REGISTER”, Originally Published Boston, 1860-1862, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore, 1965,1969,1977,1981,1986, 1990; [Corrected electronic version copyright Robert Kraft, July 1994], p.20-23.
ALBOROW, ALBOROUGH, ALBRO, ALDBURY, ALBROE, or ALSBERRIE, JOHN, Portsmouth, R. I. 1655, was an Assist. 1671, and one of the counc. appoint. by K. James Il. for his Gov. Andros, 1687, as Hutch. I. 354 gives the list. Gladly would we learn more of so promin. a man, ancest. of the Rev. John A. Albro, D. D. of Cambridge, and speak with confid. if rec. would permit. Very reasona. may be the conject. that he came, as a youth of 14 yrs. under charge of William Freeborne, in the Francis from Ipswich, 1634, to Boston. Freeborne was, we kn. of Boston, until the sad dissens. a. Mrs. Hutchinson, 1637, when he withdrew in comp. of so many others with Gov. Coddington to purchase R. I. What presumption may be drawn, from the mural tablet to Alborough in the ch. of Stratford on Avon, whither the admir. of Shakespeare annual. resort, that this R. I. fam. came from Warwicksh. will be various. determin. by differ. jurors. Alborow's d. Susanna m. 3 Jan. 1694, John Anthony of Portsmouth, as his sec. w. His w. Dorothy, wh. was a wid. Potter, and may therefore be thot. a sec. w. d. 19 Feb. 1696 in her 79th yr. and the rec. show. me, that he d. 14 Dec. 1712, aged 95 yrs. wh. Is a closer agreem. with custom ho. rec. so many yrs. bef. than is often found.
ALDBURG, John, a youth of 14, came in the Francis, 1634, under William Freeborne. See Alborow.
The Winthrop Society, "Passengers of the Francis”, www.winthropsociety.com/ships/francis.htm -