John Howland (1702 - 1784)

Born 16 Apr 1702 in Marshfield, Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay

Ancestors

Husband of Freelove (Wood) Howland — married 13 May 1725 in Swansea, Bristol, Province of Massachusetts Bay

Descendants

Died 11 Sep 1784 at age 82 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Anonymous Howland [send private message]

We hope to recruit additional Howlands of this line for further Y-DNA 111 STR markers and SNP markers (Big Y-700) testing at Howland DNA project from Family TreeDNA. (Unfortunately, autosomal DNA tests (for example, Ancestry DNA) cannot currently be used to go as far back as the dawn of the seventeenth century. Please, do not take autosomal DNA tests for this line.)

More DNA tests can discover other SNPs that are unique to the descendants to trace the Y-DNA to one of three Howland sons in America. Anyone interested in submitting their Y-DNA should review the information at Howland (Y-DNA) under the Mayflower DNA project and the Howland DNA project under Family Tree DNA.

Biography

This profile is part of the Howland Name Study.

Parentage

DISPROVEN:

• John Howland never was the son of Samuel and Mary (Sampson) Howland.

• John Howland never was the son of Josiah and Mary (Shove) Howland.

• John Howland never was the son of Josiah and Yetmercy (Shove) Howland.

• John Howland never was the son of John and Martha (Wardell) Howland.

In 1885, Franklyn Howland published his book, A Brief Genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry, and John Howland and Their Descendants. In his work on page 42, he wrote, "John, b. 16, 4, 1702", and he identified him to be the son of Thomas³ (Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland.^[1] However, he did not suggest anything further on John⁴ Howland's marriage and death. The identity of John Howland had not been examined until about 100 years later, the genealogist, Francis G. Jenkins researched John Howland's identity and parentage, and he changed everything about him.

However, Franklyn Howland was the first genealogist who put John Howland who married Freelove Wood on page 86 at tabulation number 99 on John Howland with the footnote. He wrote in the footnote, "This has been a matter of much difficulty. From all the facts the writer can gather, he is inclined to believe that John who married Freelove Wood is this John, and that she was his second wife. Many of the descendants of John and Freelove have a tradition that they come from the Tiverton Howlands, but there is no documentary evidence to connect them with that branch of the family." He believed John Howland who married Freelove Wood was John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland, and he also believed that he had two wives and 14 children.^[2]

However, in 1874, Ebenezer Weaver Peirce wrote about John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland's family in his book Contributions Biographical, Genealogical and Historical on page 108, and evidently, it was his original work to write about John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland and his wife Rebecca with their just five children. He did not mention anything about John Howland who married Freelove Wood with their nine children in his book.^[3]

Clearly, Franklyn Howland's work almost exactly mirrored Ebenezer Weaver Peirce's work about John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland's family, but in his work, he cited William Thomas Davis' book Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth: Part I. Historical Sketch and Titles of Estates. Part II. Genealogical Register of Plymouth Families, which was printed in 1883, but he was the one who added John Howland, his wife Freelove Wood, and their nine children under John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland's family in his book. Perhaps he came to this conclusion and thought that John Howland who married Freelove Wood in Swansea was the same John Howland of Freetown who married Rebecca because of the proximity of Swansea to Freetown.

In 1946, General Charles Roscoe Howland, past president of the Pilgrim John Howland Society, published his book A Brief Genealogical and Biographical Record of Charles Roscoe Howland, Brothers and Forebears, and in his book on page 44, he thought that the ancestry of John Howland who married Freelove Wood was John⁴ (John³, Jabez², John¹) Howland.

In January of 1989, Francis G. Jenkins published his work "The John Howland Who Married Freelove Wood" in the journal The Mayflower Descendant Vol. 39, No. 1. He discussed three theories regarding the parentage of John Howland who married Freelove Wood. He said that these theories involve all three of the Howland brothers, John, Arthur, and Henry as the progenitor of the John in question. He discussed the footnote on page 86 in Franklyn Howland's work, and it said, "This has been a matter of much difficulty." Francis G. Jenkins said, "This difficulty is easily seen in a deed dated 1728 (three years after his supposed marriage to Freelove) in which John and wife Rebecca sold land John had received from his father and in the will of Rebecca Howland, widow, dated 1754, which shows she was John's widow."^[4] See more information on John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland and his wife Rebecca's deed of sale on November 13, 1728.^[5]

After sketching this family, Francis G. Jenkins was correct about John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland's identity because he noted that John Howland died at Newport, Rhode Island, 11 September 1744 "in the 64th year of his age," and his wife, Rebecca died at Newport, Rhode, 12 June 1766 "in the 81st year of her age." They were buried at Newport Common Burial Ground in section G-12.^[4] Therefore, John Howland who married Freelove Wood is not the John³ (Samuel², Henry¹) Howland of Freetown and Newport who married Rebecca.^[2] It means that there were two separate men of the same name, John Howland who lived during the same time at different locations. See more information below in the section on Burial.

In the same work, Francis G. Jenkins presented his second theory involving John Howland, the progenitor of the John Howland who married Freelove Wood, and he rejected General Charles Roscoe Howland's theory about the ancestry of John Howland who married Freelove Wood because he explained that this theory has suffered from the fact that John³ (Jabez², John¹) Howland appears to have died unmarried before 11 February 1688/9 and definitely did not survive his father, nor have children who would have shared in his father's estate on February 21, 1711/12.^[4]

In the same work, Francis G. Jenkins continued to discuss his third theory involving Arthur Howland, the progenitor of John Howland who married Freelove Wood. His theory was based on Charles William Farnham's article "John Smith, The Miller of Providence Rhode Island" on pages 109 thru 118 in the journal, Rhode Island History, Vol 20, Oct. 1961, and on pages 16 thru 29 and 49 thru 62 in the journal, Rhode Island History, Vol 21, Jan. and Apr. 1962.^[6][7][8] In the article, Charles William Farnham felt that there is strong circumstantial evidence that the Hannah Smith named in the will of Arthur² (Arthur¹) Howland is the Hannah Smith wife of John³ (John², John¹) Smith, and he thought that Prince⁴ Smith who is the son of John and Hannah (Howland) Smith proves to be the cousin of a John Howland of Scituate, Rhode Island,^[9] so his observation has translated into the ancestry of John Howland who married Freelove Wood to be John⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland in Francis G. Jenkins' theory.^[4]

When Francis G. Jenkins was discussing a sketch biography of Thomas³ (Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland, he explained that Thomas Howland's father and grandfather were Quakers and had ties with Rhode Island Quakers. Thomas Howland's sister Hannah Howland, who married John Smith probably as his second wife after February 13, 1706/7, was when she, as Hannah Howland, witnessed her brother Prince Howland's marriage, and before March 15, 1720/1 that was when she was listed as Hannah Smith in her father, Arthur² (Arthur¹) Howland's will. He added that Hannah Smith's son, Prince Smith, mariner, was declared dead on June 19, 1745, after being missing at sea for three years because she and her husband John Smith had listed all their children including Prince Smith in both of their wills. He wrote, "Concluding the lengthy course of the estate settlement, "his cousin John Howland of Scituate" was granted administration in 1749 (Providence County, Rhode Island, Probate Records, 4:158, 239; Providence Town Council Records, 4:18, 62; Petitions To The Rhode Island General Assembly 1742 - 1748, 6:41)."^[4]

However, it is an important clue to look at his article John Smith, The Miller of Providence Rhode Island because Charles William Farham acknowledged that no proof has been found of the parentage of the widow Hannah Smith, but he added, "Arthur Howland had married Elizabeth Prince and many of his descendants name sons Prince, including those of his two daughters, Mary who married at Jamestown, Rhode Island, Henry Goddard, 12 Aug. 1693, and Elizabeth, who married there 4 mo., 6, 1701, Robert Saunders, who removed to Glocester, Rhode Island. Again, the witnesses to the will of Arthur of Marshfield were Jamestown men. In the final disposition of the estate of Prince Smith, "cousin John Howland" of Scituate, Rhode Island, was appointed administrator."^[9]

This was how Francis G. Jenkins connected "cousin John Howland of Scituate" who was appointed an administrator of the estate of Prince Smith in 1749 to "John Howland of Swansea" in 1745 as he explained, "Following the lead of friends and relatives, John Howland and his family eventually removed from Swansea to Scituate, Rhode Island. "John Howland of Swansea in the County of Bristol in Province of Massachusetts, Husbandman" purchased a tract of land and dwelling in Scituate on 9 March 1744/5 (Scituate, R.I., Land Records, 3:250). He was admitted as a freeman at Scituate on 3 April 1745 (John Russell Bartlett, ed., Records of The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in New England [Providence, 1860], V:110)."^[4] His theory concluded that John Howland who married Freelove Wood is John⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland.

John Howland who married Freelove Wood in 1725 might be John⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland who sold the land to Timothy Taylor in Marshfield in 1736. Still, the fact is that no dower rights were included on the land deed dated November 20, 1736,^[10] (Plymouth County Land Deed Records, Volume 41, page 206), in which John⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland of Swansea and his brother William⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland of Marshfield sold property located in Marshfield without recognition of dower rights in its sale. It did not explain why the dower rights were not included in its sales if John⁴ Howland of Swansea and his brother William⁴ Howland of Marshfield both were married at the time of the land deed of sale in 1736. The law regarding the deed of sale requires a wife's dower rights to one-third of the property value of the land as soon as her husband bought or inherited it. If negotiations were not completed before the wedding or the consent of his wife was not noted here on the deed of sale or an attached document, the purchaser would be at risk of subjecting himself to paying his wife half the purchasing price again in addition to what he already paid for the land. In fact, his wife, Freelove was not found on the deed of sale in 1736. Also, Thomas Howland of Marshfield did not include his wife Mary's dower rights in its sale when he first sold the land in Marshfield to his two sons William Howland of Marshfield and John Howland of Swansea on March 31, 1736, before they both sold two lands to Timothy Taylor of Marshfield and Gerhom Thomas of Marshfield on November 20, 1736.

Thomas Howland died before 2 January 1737, and his estate was probated on 2 January 1737. The citation was given by Judge Isaac Winslow on 28 February 1737 to Ebenezer Howland of Pembroke, William Howland of Marshfield, Hannah Barker wife of Robert Barker of Hanover, Mercy Howland, the children of Thomas Howland, and Mary Howland, his widow, to appear at Judge Isaac Winslow’s house on 22 March 1737. However, on 22 March 1737, John Howland of Swansea and Samuel Howland did not go with their siblings and mother to appear at the house of Judge Isaac Winslow in Marshfield because they were not required to appear upon Isaac Winslow's request. John Howland was still living in Swansea since 20 November 1736 when his brother, William Howland, and John Howland sold the property in Marshfield. It might be that Samuel Howland lived with his brother, John Howland in Swansea at that time.

It is clear that Judge Isaac Winslow and Capt. Nehemiah Cushing knew the children of Thomas and Mary Howland. If Judge Isaac Winslow could request both brothers, John Howland of Swansea and Samuel Howland to appear at his house, it was only one hour and 40 minutes by horse or 14 hours by walk for them to show up at his house in Marshfield from Swansea. However, the reason why they were not cited to appear could not be explained. The possible explanation is that they were not suspected of being embellished or conveying away some of the things out of Thomas Howland’s estate when they resided at Swansea. Maybe, they were deceased before their father’s death, but there was no record of their deaths in the public records or probate records. Perhaps, before the citation was given, they already informed Judge Isaac Winslow that they did not want to claim on Thomas Howland’s estate, so they did not have to appear with them by the order on the citation, but there was no record of their quitclaim on his estate on file both in probate records and deed records.

Recently, in 2013, the book The Legacy of Two Canes in the Descendants of John Howland of the Mayflower, Including Documentation of the Parentage of John Howland, the Husband of Freelove Wood, was written by Larry S. Chandler. He wrote, "For generations, descendants of John Howland have attempted to trace their lineage across an ancestral line that is elusive and misinterpreted," and he investigated two canes that once belonged to John Howland of Mayflower. The two canes were passed down through nine generations between Jabez Howland and John Murhl Howland. The first of these two canes is said to have been given to the Pilgrim John Howland by Governor Carver.^[11] It is described as having an engraved inscription on a metal piece near the handle of the cane, and it says, "John Howland of Mayflower, 1620."

John Murhl Howland was given one cane from his father, John Swimley Howland with three witnesses, John Swimley Howland, John Murhl Howland, and Frances M. Howland to confirm the validity of the story and legacy of the two canes. The second cane with its extractable bayonet was given to the Tioga County Historical Society, and it has been currently on display. It is the author, Larry S. Chandler's opinion that the passage of the cane held by John Swimley Howland went from John Howland of the Mayflower through the following lineage: John¹¹ Murhl Howland (John Swimley¹⁰, Courtney⁹, John⁸ 2nd, John⁷, John⁶ 3rd, John⁵ Jr., John⁴ who married Freelove Wood, Josiah³, Jabez², John¹) through John Howland³ 3rd (John² 2nd, John¹) and his wife Johanna Shove who placed two canes among the moveables of the estate of Jabez Howland for Josiah Howland to inherit them.^[11]

The cane did conceal a dagger, and this fact would be consistent with Jabez having been a lieutenant in battle, and his also having had a collection of four swords & two bayonets in the inventory of his estate. This dagger cane appeared along with the Mayflower cane among the movables in the portion of Jabez Howland's estate that went to Josiah Howland. The inventory of the estate of Jabez Howland confirms the existence of the two canes which were passed down to John Murhl Howland.^[11] Sadly, John Murhl Howland, age 101, died on July 31, 2015, at the Bradford County Manor in Troy, Pennsylvania, without having had any children.

Since 2013, the author of that book, Larry S. Chander believes that John Howland who married Freelove Wood is the probable son of Josiah and Mary (Shove) Howland.

However, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants' Silver Book 23:1 is printed in 2006 and now has maintained that John Howland who married Freelove Wood is a descendant of Arthur Howland because it was based on Francis G. Jenkins’ research in 1989.

Birth

John Howland, son of Thomas and Mary Howland, was born on April 16, 1702, in Marshfield, Plymouth County, Plymouth Colony.^[12]

There is a copy of a note which was presumed to have been written late in life by Maria Howland, a great-great-granddaughter of John and Freelove Howland. It says that John Howland was born in 1702. It is the only source that Mr. Chandler has ever seen giving a birth year for John Howland. It was passed to Mr. Chandler's mother by John Swimley Howland, who was the fourth great-grandson of John and Freelove Howland. However, the note could not have been written by Maria Howland herself, so it was handwritten or copied by someone from a later generation. This unknown person typed the name and date on the note, saying "Maria Howland, 1847," but added to write below it, "Dau of Eddy, 1808." It was reasonable information but not a primary source.^[13]

There is a coincidence regarding the year of his birth in 1702 that parallels the birth date of John⁴ (Thomas³, Arthur², Arthur¹) Howland on April 16, 1702, in Marshfield.

Marriage

John Howland married Freelove Wood on May 13, 1725, in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay. According to the marriage record of Swansea, it says, “John Howland and Freelove Wood was married may the :13:1725.”^[14]

DISPROVEN:

• John Howland never was married to Rebecca and never had five children from her in Freetown, Massachusetts.

In 1885, the work of Franklyn Howland on page 86 claimed that John Howland married to first wife, Rebecca, and had five children, "a son" identified to be Beenanewell Howland, Rebecca Howland, Sarah Howland, Penelope Howland, and Susanna Howland from her. Research shows that it is the result of misidentification and conflation.

Children

John Howland (1702 – 1784) and Freelove Wood (1703 – 1779) had 8 known children together:

1. Mary Howland born 23 May 1726 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay.
2. Freelove Howland born 8 Feb 1728/29 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay; died 29 Jun 1805 in Rhode Island; married Ezra Stone (1736 – 1816) on 9 April 1758 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island.
3. Susana Howland born 12 Apr 1731 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay; married Henry Salisbury (1727) on 19 April 1750 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island.
4. Huldah Howland born 6 Nov 1733 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay.
5. John Howland born 15 Mar 1734/35 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay; died in infancy sometime before 1744.
6. Miriam Howland born 8 Feb 1741/42 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay; married Stephen Kimball (1740 – 1791) about 1760.
7. John Howland born 14 Jan 1743/44 in Swansea, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay; died 13 May 1835 in Knoxville, Tioga County, Pennsylvania; married Lois Eddy (1749 – 1825) about 1768.
8. William Howland born 1 Jul 1746 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island; died 8 Feb 1835 in Rutland, Jefferson County, New York; married Mary Richmond (1751 – 1828) about 1769.

DISPROVEN:

• Caleb Howland's existence is the result of a transcription error.

The work of Franklyn Howland on page 86 claims that John Howland and Freelove Wood had a son named Caleb Howland. Research shows that Caleb Howland's existence was the result of a transcription error. Unfortunately, in fact, the existence of Caleb Howland is out there on the internet. “Caleb Howland” actually was Tabitha Howland who was the daughter of Samuel and Freelove Howland and was born on 6 January 1746/7 (Old Style/New Style) according to the Scituate birth records in Rhode Island. Therefore, the existence of Caleb Howland is disproven. See more information on the disproven existence of Caleb Howland.

Land Deed Records

Deed of Sale, from Thomas Howland to William Howland of Marshfield and John Howland of Swanzey, March 31, 1736. Acknowledged April 19, 1736. Recorded April 22, 1736, Plymouth County.

To all People to whom these Presents shall come Greeting & Know ye that I Thomas Howland of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth in ye Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England for and in consideration of the full sum of nine hundred Pounds Currant money of sd Province to me in hand before the Ensealing & Delivery of these Presents well & truly paid by John Howland of Swanzey in the County of Bristol in the Province aforesd. & William Howland of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth aforesd. my two sons the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge & my self there with to be fully satisfied Contented & Paid Have Given Granted Bargained sold aliened Conveyed & Confirmed and by these Presents do fully freely clearly & absolutely Give Grant Bargain sell aliene Convey & Confirm unto them the sd. John Howland & William Howland my sons their Heirs & assigns forever all that my Farm that I now dwell on both Upland and Meadow Excepting ye Burying Place four Rod square and that I do hereby Reserve for a Burying Place & Liberty to go to & from the same so often as there may be occasion for ye same the upland is bounded as followeth at ye South East Corner at ye Meadow of John Walker & from thence towards ye NorthWest by ye Land of Isaac Walker till it comes to the highway by ye Brook & so along over ye Brook up towards the NorthWest on the North Side of sd HighWay to a great white oak tree standing by sd. highway near the Barn & from sd. tree along by ye Land of Robert Howland towards ye North West till it cometh to the high way that leads from the Grist Mill toward the North River & from thence upon the same Course to ye Land formerly belonging to John Sherman deceased & bounded towards the North West partly by sd Shermans Land & partly by ye Land of Timothy Tailer & so along to ye East side of ye High Way then ranging by sd. highway toward the North to yet land of Thomas Tailer then ranging South East to ye head of Arthur Howlands land to a stake & stones & from thence on a South West Course till it comes to ye Line between Arthur Howlands & my Lands then turning & ranging South East to the Head of ye Brook Joining out of ye swamp called ye Meadow Platt & so ranging down sd Brook to ye River End of sd. swamp & from thence on a Street Course to a Ridge of Hills & so along sd. Ridge towards the South or South East to ye meadow & bounded towards ye. East by sd. meadow & ye. meadow is bounded toward the South by ye. meadow of John Walker & towards the East by ye. South River till it comes to a great Beak which is the Bounds between Robert Howlands meadow & mine then along by Robert Howlands meadow up Creek it comes near to a Point of Upland of Arthur Howlands then ranging along towards ye North by sd. Upland to the Fence then along by sd. Fence to woods the South West to ye Land called the Ridge Hill & toward ye West it is bounded by sd. Upland above Granted To Have & to Hold all ye sd. Granted Premises Except ye before Excepted With all & Singular the Rights Privileges & appurtenances to ye same belonging or in any wise appertaining unto then the sd. John & William Howland their Heirs & assigns forever to them & their only proper use Benefit & Behoof forever. And I the sd. Thomas Howland for my self my Heirs Executor & Adminrs. do Covenant Promise & Grant to and with ye sd. John Howland & William that before the Ensealing hereof Join ye true sole & lawfull owner of ye above Granted Premises & have in my self good Rightfull Power & lawfull Authority to Dispose of ye same in Manner as above sd. Furthermore I the sd Thomas Howland for me my Heirs Executrs. & Adminrs. do Covenant Engage the Above Grant Premises to them ye sd. John & William Howland their Heirs and assigns against the lawful Claims & Demands of any Person or Persons whatsoever forever hereafter to Warrant Seiuze & Defend. Jn Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the 31st. Day of March Anno Dom. 1736
Thomas Howland (Seal)

Signed Seal & Deliverd.
In ye Presence of Robert Howland Arthur Howland

Plymo. Ss. On ye 19th Day of April 1736. There the William named Thomas Howland did acknowledge ye within written Instruction to be his act & Deed Before me Jno. Thomas Justice of ye Peace

Recievd. April. 22: 1736 & Recordd. per Josiah Cotton Regr^[15]
(Plymouth County Land Deed Records, Volume 30, Pages 139 - 140)

Deed of Sale, from John Howland of Swanzey and William Howland of Marshfield to Gershom Thomas of Marshfield, November 20, 1736. Acknowledged November 20, 1736. Recorded November 22, 1736, Plymouth County.

To all People to whom these Presents shall come Greeting &c. Know Ye that We John Howland of Swanzey in the County of Bristol in ye Province of ye Massachusetts-Bay in New-England & William Howland of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth & Province aforesd for and in Consideration of the full sum of Eight hundred & Sixty & five Pounds Currant money of sd Province to us in hand before ye Ensealing & Delivery of these Presents well & truly paid by Gershom Thomas of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England aforesd the Receipt whereof We do hereby acknowledge and our selves therewith to be fully satisfied Contended and Paid Have Given Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Conveyed & Confirmed and by these Presents do fully freely & absolutely Give Grant Bargain Sell Aliene Convey and Confirm unto him the sd Gershom Thomas his Heirs & assigns forever All that our Farm both Upland & Meadow situate lying & being in Marshfield in the County & Province aforesd Bounded as followeth viz. The upland is bounded as followeth Begining at the South East Corner at the Meadow of John Walker and from thence ranging towards ye North West by the Land of Isaac Walker till it cometh up to the high way by the Brook & so along over the Brook up towards the North West on the North Side of sd high way to a great white oak tree standing by sd high way near the Barn and from sd Tree along by ye Land of Kenelm Baker toward the North West till it cometh to the high way that leads from the Grist mill toward the North River and from thence upon ye same Course to the Land formerly belonging to John Sherman deceased & Bounded towards ye North West partly by sd Sherman's Land & partly by ye Land of Timothy Tailer and so along to the East side of the high way to a stake & stones & from thence ranging towards the North East to a stone standing by the side of the Brook at the Corner of the Fence and from thence ranging towards the South East down the sd Brook to ye lower End of ye Swamp called the Meadow Platt and from thence on a straight Course to a Ridge of the Hills & along sd Ridge towards the South or South East to ye Meadow & bounded toward ye East by sd Meadow the South River till it comes to a Great Creek which is the Bounds between Robert Howland's Meadow & own then along by Robert Howlands Meadow up Creek till it comes near to Point of Upland of Arthur Howlands then ranging along towards ye North by sd Upland to ye Fence then along by sd Fence toward ye South West to ye Upland called the Ridge Hill & towards the West it is bounded by sd Upland above Granted. To Have & to Hold all the sd Granted Premises Excepting the Burying Place four Rods square and that we do hereby Reserve for a Burying Place & Liberty to go to and from the same so often as there may be ouasion for the same With all & singular ye Rights Priviledges & appurtenances to the same belonging or any wise appertaining unto him the sd Gershom Thomas his Heirs & assigns forever To his and their only proper up Benefit & behoof forever. And We ye sd John & William Howland for us our Heirs Executors & Admintrs do Covenant Promise & Grant to and with the sd Gershom Thomas his Heirs and assigns that before ye Ensealing & Delivery of these Presents We are the true & lawfull owners of ye above bargained Premises & have in our selves good Right full Power & lawfull Authority to dispose of the same in manner as abovesaid. Futhermore We ye sd John Howland & William Howland for our selves our Heirs Executors & Administrators do Covenant & Engage the above Granted Premises dto him ye sd Gershom Thomas his Heirs & Assigns against the lawfull Claims & Demands of any Person or Persons whatsoever forever hereafter to Warrant serve & Defend. In Witness whereof We have hereunto set out Hands & seals ye 20th Day of Novembr Anno Dom. one thousand seven hundred & thirty six 1736
John Howland {seal}
William Howland {seal}

Signed Sealed Delivered
In ye presence of
Timothy Tailer
Arthur Howland

Plymouth on ye Day & Year within mentioned the Within named John Howland & William Howland did acknowledge the Within written Instrument to be their act & Deed Before
Jno. Thomas Justic of Peace

Receivd. & Recordd. Novembr. 22 : 1736 per Josiah Cotton Regr.
(Plymouth County Land Deed Records, Volume 30, Page 221 - 222)^[16][17]

Deed of Sale, from John Howland of Swanzey and William Howland of Marshfield to Timothy Taylor of Marshfield, November 20, 1736. Acknowledged November 20, 1736. Recorded May 5, 1752, Plymouth County.

To all People to whom these Presents shall come Greeting &c. Know Ye that We John Howland of Swanzey in ye County of Bristol & William Howland of Marshfield in ye. County of Plymouth both of ye. Province of ye. Massachusetts-Bay in New-England for and in Consideration of ye. full Sum of Thirty Pounds Currant money of sd Province to us in hand before ye. Ensealing and Delivery of these Presents well and truly paid by Timothy Tailer of Marshfield aforesd. the Receipt whereof We do herby acknowledged and our Selves to be fully Satisfied Contented and Paid therewith Have Given Granted Bargained Bargained Sold Aliened Conveyed and by these Presents Do fully freely clearly and absolutely Give Grant Bargain Sell Aliene Convey and Confirm unto him the said Timothy Tailer his Heirs and Assigns forever A Certain Piece of Land situate lying and being in Marshfield in ye. County aforesd. on ye. Easterly Side of ye. Road that leadeth from ye. Grist Mill towards ye. North River before sd. Tailer's Door Containing by Estimation about Six acres be it more or less Bounded as followeth Beginning as a Stake standing on ye. East Side of sd. Road with Stones about it and from thence ranging toward ye. North East until it comes to another Stake standing by ye. Side of the Brook by ye. Corner of ye. Fence then turning and ranging towards the North West by sd Brook to ye. Head thereof and from thence on a North West Line until it cometh to ye. South West Corner of Arthur Howland's Lands then Turning again and Ranging North East to ye Land of Thomas Fosler then turning as ranging North West along by sd Fosler's Land until it comes to ye. Cart Path then turning toward ye South and ranging along on ye. East Side of said Path till it comes to ye. Stake and Stones first mentioned. To Have and to Hold all ye sd. granted Premisses with all and singular ye. Rights Priviledges and appurtenances to ye. Same belonging or in any wise appertaining unto him the sd Timothy Tailer his Heirs & assigns forever To his & their only proper Use Benefit and Behoof forever And We ye. sd. John Howland and William Howland for our Selves our Heirs Executors & Administrators do Covenant Promise & Grant to & with ye. sd. Timothy Tailor his Heirs & Assigns yt. before ye. Ensealing & Delivery of these Presents & till ye. Perfecting of ye. Same We are ye. true & lawfull owners of ye. above bargained Premisses and have in our Selves good Right Full Power & lawful Authority to Dispose of ye. Same in Manner as abovesd. Furthermore We ye. sd. John & William Howland for us our Heirs Executors & Administrators do Covenant & Ingage ye. above granted Premisses unto him ye. Said Timothy Tailor his Heirs & Assigns against ye. Lawful Claims and Demands of any Person or Persons whatsoever forever hereafter to Warrant Secure & Defend In Witness whereof We have hereto Set our Hands & Seals ye. 20th of November Anno Dom: One Thousand Seven Hundred & Thirty Six 1736
John Howland {S}
William Howland {S}

Signed Sealed and Delivered
In ye. Presence of
Jno. Thomas jur
Gershom Thomas

Plym: Ss. On ye. Day & Year within Mentioned, the Within Named John Howland & William Howland did acknowledge the within written Instrument to be their Act & Deed Before
John Thomas Justice of Peace:

Recievd & Recorded May.5.1752 per Josiah Cotton Regr^[18]
(Plymouth County Land Deed Records, Volume 41, page 206)

Deed of Sale, from John and Freelove Howland of Swansey to Samuel Bowen of Swansey, February 25, 1737/8. Acknowledged March 13, 1737/8. Recorded May 4, 1743, Bristol County.

To All People to Whom these Presents Shall Come Greeting Know ye y We John Howland of Swansey In ye County of Bristol In ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay In Newengland yeoman & freelove his wife for & In consideration of ye sum of Eight hundred & three pounds current money of sd Province to us In hand Before ye Ensealing & Delivey hereof Well & truly paid by Samll Bowen of Swansey In ye County & province aforsd yeoman ye Receipt Whereof We do hereby acknowledge our selves therewith fully satisfyed & Contented & of Every part & parcel thereof do Acquit Exonorate & Discharge ye sd Samll Bowen his heirs & Extr admtrs & assigns forever by these presents Have Given Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Conveyed & Confirmed & by these presents do freely fully & absolutely Give Grant Bargain Sell Aliene Convey & Confirm Unto ye sd Samuel Bowen his heirs & assigns forever A Certain Lott on percel of Land containing by Estemation sixty be It more or Less Which Doctr Wm Wood Late of Swansey Decd. by his Last will and testament dated ye twenty sixth day of Decembr 1734 Gave to ye sd freelove his Daughter Scituate Lying & Being^[19] On ye south side of ye Rhoad Leading to Matepoiset Near ye Meeting house in Swansey aforesd & Bounded of Northwest Corner Being A White tree then southerly by A pivid Way to a Red Oak tree In A turn of ye fence then Southeasterly by ye Land of Caleb Luther & Land Belonging to ye Coles to fremen Line then Northeastly by yt Line to a piece of Land Containing a Quarter of one acre of Land Given by ye sd. Doctr Wood for ye Conveniancy of ye meeting house aforsd then Northerly As It Is now Sett of Where ye Stone Wall Is now Began to ye highway then Westerly by that highway on Rhoad to ye first Corner on howsoever otherwise Bounded or Reputed to be Bounded To have & to hold ye sd. Lott on percel of Land Butted & bounded With ye Dwelling house & all ye appurtenances privilidges & Commodaties to ye same Belonging or In any wise appertaining to him ye sd. Samll Bowen his heirs & assigns forever and we ye sd. J. Howland & freelove his Wife for in our heir Extr Admtr do Covenant promise & Grant to & with ye sd. Samll Bowen his heirs & assigns forever yt Before ye Ensealing & Delivery of thse presents We are ye true sole & Lawful owner of All ye above Granted & Bargained premices & are Lawfully Seized & posessed of ye same In our own proper Rigth as a Good perfect & Absolute Estate of Inheritance In fee Simple & have In our Selves Good Right full power & Lawfull authorety to Give Grant Bargain Sell & Convey ye Same In manner As About & yt ye sd. Samll Bowen his heirs & assigns shall & may from time to time & at all times forever hereafter by force & virture of these present Lawfully peacebly & Quietly have hold use occupy possess & Enjoy all ye sd. demised & Bargained premices With hein Appurtenances free & clean & freely & Clearly Acquited & fully Discharged of & from all manner of former On Other Gifts Grants Bargains Sales Leases mortagages Wills Entails Joyntures Dowries Judgements Executions Incombrences & Extents & We ye sd John Howland & freelove his Wife do by these presents for us our heirs Extr Admistr do Covenant & Ingage ye demised premices to him ye sd Samll Bowen his heirs & Assigns forever Against all ye Lawfull claimes Or Demands of Any person or Persons Whomsoever forever to Warrant & Defend In Witness Whereof We ye sd. John Howland & freelove his Wife have hereonto sett to our hands & seals this twenty fifth day of february In ye Eleventh year of his majesties Reign Anno Dom 1737/8
John Howland {S}
Freelove Howland {S}

Signed Sealed & Delivd
In ye presence of Us
John Seamans
Seth Luther

Bristol Ss Swanzey March ye 13th 1737/8
Personally Appeared Mr John Howland & freelove Howland his Wife ye Subscribers to ye Within Written Instructment and Acknowledged ye Same to be their own free Act & Deed Before me
Thomas Bowen Justice Peace

Recorded [April crossed out] May ye 4th 1743
Mr Thos Throope Jr Register^[20]

Note:
On February 5, 1737/8, John and Freelove Howland sold the property in Swansea that had been received as an inheritance by Freelove Wood from her father, Dr. Willaim Wood, so both names were included as joint owners on the deed of sale.

Deed of Sale, from John Howland of Swansey to John Munro of Bristol, February 18, 1742/3. Acknowledged January 2d 1744[/5]. Recorded May 29, 1745, Bristol County.

To All People to Whom these Presents shall Come Greeting Know Ye that I John Howland of Swansey In ye County of Bristol In ye Province of ye massachusets Bay In Nw england Yeoman for & Consideration of ye sum of six hundred & fifty Pounds to me In hand Well and truly paid by John munro of Bristol In ye County And Province aforsd Yeoman ye Receipt Whereof I do acknowledge my self therewith fully satisfyed & Contented & forevery part & Percel thereof do exonerate acquit & discharge ye sd John munro his heirs Exts Admrs & assigns forever by these Presents have Given Granted Bargained & Sold aliened Conveyed & Confirmed & by these Presents do freely fully & Absolutely Give Grant Bargain Sell aliene Convey & Confirm Unto him ye sd John munro his heirs & assigns forever A Certain mesuage farm on tenament Situate Lying & Being In ye township of Bristol In ye County of Bristol aforsd Containing by estemation forty acres be It more or Less Butted & Bounded Southerly on a highway easterly on Land Belonging to Elisabeth Vernon Northerly partly on Land Belonging to Barnard hale & partly on Land Belonging to Thomas Joles Westerly on Land Belonging to sd Thomas Joles Excepting one Quarter of one acre of Land Lying In ye southeast Corner of sd Granted Premies as It Bounded out on howsoever otherway Bounded on reputed to be Bounded To Have & to hold ye sd Bargained Premies With ye Dwelling house out house orchard All Butted & Bounde as aforsd. With all ye appurtenanes privilidges & Commodaties &c of same Belonging Or In Any Wages Appertaining to him ye sd. John munro his heirs & assigns forever to his & their only Proper Use Benefit & Behoof forever & ye sd. John Howland for me my heirs Exts adms do Covenant Parmise & Grant to & With ye sd. John munro his heirs & assigns that before ye Ensealing hereof I am ye true sole & Lawfull owner of all ye above Granted & Bargained Premies & am Lawfully Seized & Possesed of ye same In my own Proper Right as a good perfect & absolute estate of Inheritance In fee Simple & have In my self good right to sell & convey & same In manner As Above & that ye sd. John Munro his heirs & assigns Shall & may from time to time & at all times forever hereafter by these Presents Lawfully peacebly & Quietly have hold & Injoy ye sd. Bargained premises With their appurtenanes Clearly Acquited & Discharged of & from all former or other Gifts Grants Bargains Leases Sales mortgages Wills Intails Joyntures Dowries Judgments Incombrences Whatsoever & I ye sd. John Howland do by these Presents for my self my heir Exts Adms Covenant & Ingage ye above Demised premices to him ye sd. John munro his heirs & assigns against all ye Lawful Claimes And Demands of all persons Whomsoever forever to Warrant Secure & Defend & freelove Wife of me ye sd. John Howland doth by these presents fully yield up All her right of Dower & Power of thirds of In or to ye above Granted Premices Unto him ye sd. John Munro his heirs & assigns In Witness Whereof I ye sd. John Howland & freelove my Wife have Unto set to our hands & seals this Eighteeth Day of February Anno Dom 1742/3
John Howland {S}
freelove Howland {S}

Signed Sealed & Delivd.
In ye Presence of
Samll Bowen
Sarah + her mark Bowen

Bristol Ss Swansey January 2d 1744
Then ye Within Named John Howland & freelove his wife personally appeared & severally acknowledged ye Within Instrument to be their free act & Deed Before me Peres Bradford Jus of ye Peace

Recd May ye 29th 1745 And Recorded per Thomas Throope Jr Register^[21]
(Bristol County Land Deed Records, Volume 33, page 382)

Note:
On February 18, 1742/3, the property was not an inheritance of Freelove Howland or the joint owners of John and Freelove Howland because the dower rights and power of third of Freelove Howland were included on the deed of 1742/3. It was an entitlement of John Howland that established his ownership of the land in Bristol. He was the true owner of this 40-acre land plus 1/4 acre in the southeast corner of his 40-acre land in Bristol and sold it to John Munro of Bristol except for ¼ acre of land. However, it was unknown how or when he acquired his property in Bristol, so it appeared to have been passed to him through private documentation.

This property had nothing to do with the indenture which was documented from Jabez Howland to Simon Davis of Bristol regarding the instruction about the property in 1703 in the books of deed records in Bristol County in the early 18th century. Next, the second deed of sale was documented from Simon Davis to John Archer on July 3, 1710, right after Jabez Howland died in 1709.^[22] (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 13, part 1, p. 38). Then, the third deed of sale was from Mehitable Archer, widow of John Archer to her son-in-law, John Munroe on April 17, 1725^[23] (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 16, p. 260 - 261). Next, the fourth deed of sale was from John Munroe and his wife, Elizabeth Munroe to Ebenezer Gladding on 1 March 1725/6. (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 15, p. 611 - 612). Then, the fifth deed of sale was from Ebenezer Gladding to George Munroe on 11 September 1732. (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 22, p. 222). Next, the sixth deed of sale was from George Munroe to his son, Simeon Munroe on 10 March 1734. (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 23, p. 368 - 369). Next, the seventh deed of sale was from Simeon Munroe to Joseph Waldron on 13 May 1741. (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 30, p. 126 - 127). Finally, the eighth deed of sale was from Joseph Waldron to Simeon Munroe on 23 March 1747. (Bristol County, Deed Records, vol. 38, p. 193). These eight deeds did not match the description of 40 acres and a quarter acre on John and Freelove Howland’s deed of sale on February 18, 1742/3. After 1747, the deed records remained with Bristol County, Massachusetts, and were continued outside the boundary of Bristol County, Rhode Island, so new deed records were created within the boundary of Bristol County, Rhode Island.

John Howland and his wife had the right to sell 40 acres, one of his two properties to John Munro, and it proved that he was the true owner of the two properties on February 18, 1742/3, but he did not sell a quarter acre (¼ acre) and reserved it for himself. The deed of sale specifically described the two properties as 40 acres and a quarter acre (¼ acre). This ¼ acre was the “Land Lying in ye Southeast Corner of sd Granted Premices”, so it was a part of the granted premises but not a part of the sale. The remaining ¼ acre was kept, and what became of ¼ acre remains unknown. It might be some of his close relatives living there at that time.^[21] (Bristol County Land Deed Records, Volume 33, page 382). The unidentifiable highway was on the south side and the land of Elisabeth Vernon was on the east side of a quarter acre (¼ acre).

The problem is with the size of forty acres that can encompass four blocks entirely. The exact layout of “the more or less” forty acres had not been established yet and had not been explained. Apparently it was a possible error during the process of transcription from the original deed of sale paper to the book of Bristol County deed records. John Howland placed the value of that property to be £650 which was considered to be a lot of money for John Munro to pay at that time. The brochure of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission in 1990 explained, "The central part of Bristol was laid out as a grid, a pattern which is still clearly visible today. The rectilinear plan was established by four streets now named Thames, Hope, High, and Wood running north to south, and nine cross streets Oliver, Franklin, Bradford, State, Church, Constitution, Union, Burton, and Walley running east to west. Each eight acre block formed by this geometric plan was divided into four house lots, about two acres each. The especially valuable lots along the waterfront were only one acre and were separated from the house lots by Thames Street. One of the squares, surrounded by Church, State, High, and Wood Streets, was set off as the Town, designated for "public use, benefit and improvement of the inhabitants." The clarity and geometry of the Bristol plan, a rarity in New England and a vivid contrast with the organic road patterns of earlier towns, is still an important component of the town's significance. No other town in Rhode Island has such a plan "

Deed of Sale, from John and Freelove Howland of Scituate to Joseph Kimbell Junior and Stephen Kimbell, both of Scituate, May 8, 1764. Acknowledged May 8, 1764. Recorded May 15, 1764, Providence County.

To all People to whom these presents shall come, Greeting Know Ye that I John Howland of Scituate in the County of Providence in the Colony of Rhode Island Yeoman for the Consideration of the Sum of one Thousand and Fifty Pounds Current money of Said Colony old Tenor by me Received to my full Satisfaction of Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell Both of Scituate afor Said Yeoman Do give grant bargain Sell aline and confirm unto them the Said Said Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell and to Their Heirs and Assigns forever Thirty Acres and Ninety Seven Rods of Land Lying in Scituate afore Said and is the Eastern Part of the Land of me the Grantor that Lyeth on the North Side of ye high Way and is the Easterly part of the Meadow Called the Hunting House Meadow and is Bounded as followeth beginning at a heap of Stones on the nOrth Side of the above Said Meadow and in the Southeast Corner of John Durfees Land then South Seven Degrees and half East Twenty Eight Rods to a White oak Pole marked then South Five Degrees East Thirty Rods to a Rock by the North Side of Said High way then East Six Degrees South Eighteen Rods to a White Oak Pole marked then East Three Degrees South Twenty Three Rods to a hap of Stones Then East Forty Degrees South Nine Rods to a walnut Pole marked then East one Degree North Fifteen Rods to a heap of Stones then North then North two Degrees East Sixty Nine Rods to a Walnut Pole then west Twenty Five Degrees North Forty Rods to a White Oak tree marked and is one of Ambros Coles bounds then West Eighteen Degrees South Twenty Seven Rods to a Black Oak Stump and Stones about it one of Said Durfees bounds then South Thirty Two Degrees west Fifteen Rods to the first mentioned Bound To Have and To Hold the above granted and Bargained premises with the appurtenances thereof unto Them the Said Jospeh Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell and Their Heirs and assigns forever to Their own proper Use and Behoof and also I the Said John Howland Do for my Self my Heirs Executors and administrators Covenant with the Said Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell and Their Heirs and assigns that at and untill Ensealing of These Presents I am well Seized of the premises as a Good Indefeasable Estate In Fee Simple and have good Right to Bargain and Sell the SAme in manner and form as is above written and That the Same is free of all Incumbrances Whatsoever And Furthermore I the Said John Howland Do by these Presents Bind my Self and my heirs forever to warrant and Defend the above granted and bargained Premises to Them the Said Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell their Heirs and assigns against all Lawfull Claims and Demands Whatsoever And Freelove Howland the wife of me the Said John Howland Doth by these Presents freely and willy give yeald up and Surrender her Right of Dower and power of Thirds of in and unto the above Demised Preises unto them the Said Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell their heirs and assigns forever In Witness Where of wee have hereunto Set our hands and Seals this Eght Day of may in the Fourth years of the Reign of George the Third King of great Britain Year Anno: Dom: 1764
John Howland {seal}
Freelove Howland {seal}

Signed Sealed and Delivered
In the presents of
Charles Harris
John Howland Junor

Providence Ss: May the 8th 1764 John Howland Subscriber to the above and within written Instrument Personally Appearing and Acknowledged the Same to be his own Free act and deed Before Charles Harris Just. Peace

Rec.d may. 15 1764 and Recorded accordingly
Gid.n Harris Townclerk

Deed of Sale, from John and Freelove Howland of Scituate to Samuel Howland of Dartmouth, Recorded July 4, 1765, Providence County. Acknowledged July 4, 1765. Recorded July 4, 1765, Providence County.

To all People to whom these presents shall come, Greeting Know Ye that I John Howland of Scituate in the County of Providence in the Colony of Rhode IIsland Yeoman for the Consideration of Three Hundred and Sixty Pounds Lawfull money by me Received to my full Satisfaction of Samuel Howland of Dartmouth in the County of Bristoll in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman Do give grant Bargain Sell and Confirm unto him the Said Samuel Howland and to his heirs and assigns forever one Certain farm Lying and Being in Sciutate aforesaid Containing Two Hundred and Seventeen acres and is the farm Whereon I the Grantor Now Dwell and Lyeth on both Sides of the High way the goeth Northerly and Southerly a Cross Said farm and is Bounded on the Southwest Corner with a heap of Stones and is also a Corner of William Wests Land and from thence Rangeth East Thirty Six Degrees South bounding with Said West Land one Hundred Rods to a White oak Tree mared then East, Four Degrees South Seventy one Rods to a popler Tree Marked then East Twelve Degres South Forty Five Rods to a Small Rock then East Thirty Three Degrees North Fifty one Rods to a heap of Stones on the East side of Said Highway then North Twenty Seven Degrees west Ninteen Rods to a walnut pole marked then North Twelve Degrees West Forty Two Rods to a Stump by the South End of a Stone Wall then East Twenty Degrees North Ninty Rods to a heap of Stones then North Six Degrees West Twenty Four Rods to a heap of Stones then East Twenty Degrees North Three Rods to a heap of Stones then North Six Degrees West Thirty Rods to a heap of Stones on the South side of the high way that goeth on the North Side of Said farm then Bounding on Said way West Twelve Degrees South Twelve Rods then west Twenty Seven Degrees North Eighteen Rods then west Fifteen Degrees North TSeven Rods then West Fifteen Degrees North Twenty Seven Rods [West 15 d S 10 Rods] to a Black Tree Which is a Corner of JOhn Durfees Land then Bounding with Said Durfees Land South four Degrees East Twelve Rods to a heap of Stones then South Thirty five Degrees west Thirteen Rods to a heap of Stones then west ten Degrees South Thirty Six Rods too a heap of Stones then west forty Three Degrees South one Hundred and fourty one Degrees North thirty six Rods To a White Oak Tree marked then west five Degrees North Thirty Seven Rods to a White oak tree marked and is also a bound of Ezehiel Connels Land then South Twenty Eight Degrees East bounding with Said Connels Land Fifty four Rods to a maple pole marked and is also a Corner of Said Wests Land then Bounding with Wests Land East Twenty Six Degrees North Twenty five Rods to a popular pole marked and From thence to Range with a Streight line to the first mentioned Bound and also one Pease of meadow that Lyeth a little way North from the above and within menitoned Farm and is the meadow that is Called and Known by the Name of the Hunting House Meadow Containing y Estimation about Ten acres be the Same more or Less Bounded as followeth Southerly on a High way and Westerly and Northerly with the Land of John Durfee and Easterly with the Land of Joseph Kimbell Junor and Stephen Kimbell To Have And To Hold all the above and within granted and Bargained premises with the Appurtenances thereof unto him the Said Samuel Howland his Heirs and assigns forever to his and their own proper use and Behoof and also I the Said John Howland Do for my Self my heirs Executors and Administrators Covenant with the Said Samuel Howland his heirs and assigns that at and until the Ensealing of these presents I am well Seized of the premises as a good Indefeasable Estate In FeeSimple and have good good Right to bargain and Sell the Same as is above written and that the Same is free of all Incumbrances Whatsoever And Freelove Howland the wife of me the Grantor Doth by these Presents freely and willingly give yield up and Surrender all her right of Dower and power of thirds of in and unto the above and within Demised premises unto him the Said Samuel Howland his heirs and assigns forever And Furthermore I this Said John Howland Do by These presents bind my Self and my Heirs forever to warrant and Defend the above and Granted and Bargained premises to him the said Samuel Howland his heirs and assignes against all Lawful Claimes and Demands or Whatsoever
In Witness Whereof wee have herunto Set our hands and Seals the Fourth Day of July in the fifth year of the Reign of George the Third King of Great Britain AD:1765
John Howland {seal}
Freelove Howlan {seal}

In the presents of
Charles Harris
Nicholas Hopkins

Providence Ss: July the 4th 1765 John Howland Subscriber to the above and within written Instrument personally appeared and acknowledged the Same to be his own Free act and deed

Rec.d July, 4. 1765
And Recorded accordingly

Death

John Howland died on September 11, 1784, in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Burial

John Howland and his wife, Freelove were probably buried in Howland Farm Cemetery in Providence County, Rhode Island.

Note:
There is necessary to be cautious with the book A Brief Genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry, and John Howland on page 86 regarding John Howland because it is unreliable.^[2] There is no evidence that John Howland married twice because John Howland, who married Rebecca, died on 11 Sep 1744 and was buried at Common Burying Ground in Newport, Rhode Island, and John Howland, who married Freelove Wood, died on 11 Sep 1784 and was buried at Howland Farm Cemetery in Providence County, Rhode Island. It means they are two different men, so there are two different families.

There exists the gravestone of John Howland in Common Burying Ground, in Newport, Rhode Island. The inscription clearly says that he died in 1744 at the age of 65 years on his gravestone. The photograph of his gravestone had been posted there in the profile of John Howland. Also, his wife, Rebecca Howland was buried next to him. Also, two of their children, Penelope Howland, and Rebecca (Howland) Gibbs, were buried next to their parents. Their gravestones prove that they are a different family from John and Freelove Howland's family.

DNA Research

Y-DNA STR CONFIRMATION:

• John Howland was genetically descended from Arthur Howland.

• John Howland was not genetically the son of Josiah Howland.

• John Howland was genetically the son of Thomas Howland.

Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Markers Test Results

The genetic distance between a male descendant (FTDNA kit #93435) of Allen⁷ Winfield, (Harry⁶ W., Charles⁵ Rexford, Eddy⁴, Eddy³, John², John¹ who married Freelove Wood) and a male descendant (FTDNA kit #861275) of Samuel Howland who married Freelove Seamans is 3 or (3 mutations) in 37 Y-chromosome STR (short tandem repeat) markers. The genetic distance is the total number of differences or mutations between two sets of results.^[24] This individual claims that he is the descendant of Arthur Howland as the STR (Short Tandem Repeat) test result shows.

Both the male descendant (FTDNA kit #861275) of Samuel Howland who married Freelove Seamans and the male descendant (FTDNA kit #93435) of John Howland who married Freelove Wood have allele values of 14 and 13 respectively at DYS439, allele values of 19 and 18 respectively at DYS458, and allele values of 18 and 17 respectively in DYS576. The difference for each is calculated (DYS439: 14-13= 1, DYS458: 19-18= 1, DYS576: 18-17= 1). The differences are added together. The total number of differences in the Y-DNA 37 haplotypes is 3 (1+1+1= 3). Their genetic distance at 37 STR markers is then 3. However, this individual (FTDNA kit #93435) has not upgraded his 37 STR markers to 111 STR markers to find the difference between this individual and the male descendant of Samuel Howland who married Freelove Seamans.

Unfortunately, all STR results cannot help to trace his line to one of the Howland brothers because the mutations are greatly varied. These mutations are changes that occurred at some time in the past but because they remain hidden from us in the present, we cannot tell when they occurred or how frequently they occurred just by looking at two sets of STR results from people living today. These mutations are known to be parallel mutations and back mutations.

However, there is a curiosity to look at the results of three men (FTDNA kit #861275, FTDNA kit #93435, and FTDNA kit #934533) who have the same allele values of 16 at STR marker DYS464a that stands out from all other 5 Howland male descendants of Henry Howland through his sons, Samuel and Zoeth and all other 7 Howland male descendants of Pilgrim John Howland through his sons, John, Joseph, and Jabez, who have same allele values of 15 at STR marker DYS464a.^[24]

In addition, to defining STR results, SNP results are the best way and help to identify the genetic mutations to establish the distinctive three lines.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Test Results

This requires another extensive DNA testing to find more recent SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) to share with other Howland men who descend from any of the three brothers. It can help to establish the distinctive lines between the descendants of three brothers, Arthur, John, and Henry Howland.

Two significant SNPs, FT62874 and FT62411 are confirmed from two Big Y tests of two individuals (FTDNA kit #861275 and FTDNA kit #934533), and they prove that they are genetically descended from Arthur Howland.

Further Big Y tests for prospective male descendants of Arthur Howland are needed to discover where in this line these two SNPs are found.

Regarding the “ordering” of this line's SNPs, the only method the genetic genealogists or genetic scientists have of knowing the chronological order of SNPs is by discovering closer and closer matches. At some point in time, we may be able to place exactly when an SNP occurred, but it takes quite a bit of testing to make that determination.

A prospective male descendant is welcomed to take a Big Y-700 test, and he will share some of the SNPs with others and will not share some of them with anyone else at this line here. At that point, we can further distinguish which of this line's SNPs are older and which are younger.

There are likely multiple Y-DNA descendants of the most recent ancestor, Arthur Howland. Any Howland man who descends from this line of Arthur, Arthur, Thomas, and John will share some of the variants between 1590 and 1702. We still need Howland male descendants of this line to take one of these tests to match two SNPs and make better conclusions. See more information on Howland DNA project in Family TreeDNA.

Sources

1. ↑ Howland, Franklyn. A Brief Genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry, and John Howland and Their Descendants, of the United States and Canada: Together with an Account of the Efforts Made in England to Learn of Their English Ancestry, Etc. New Bedford, Mass.: Howland, 1885, p. 42.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Howland, Franklyn. A Brief Genealogical and Biographical History of Arthur, Henry, and John Howland (The Author, New Bedford, Mass., 1885), p. 86. (Secondary source: Unreliable).
3. ↑ Peirce, Ebenezer W. Contributions Biographical, Genealogical and Historical. Boston: Printed for the author, by D. Clapp & Son, 1874, p. 108. Print.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5} Jenkins, Francis G. “The John Howland Who Married Freelove Wood.” The Mayflower Descendant, vol. 39, no. 1, Jan. 1989, pp. 21–22.
5. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9ZS-1TS?cc=2106411&wc=MCBG-SWG%3A361612901%2C361854701 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deed Records, 1727 - 1732, vol 18, p. 308, image 164 of 310; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
6. ↑ Farnham, Charles William. “John Smith, the Miller, or Providence, Rhode Island, Some of His Descendants.” Rhode Island History, vol. 20, no. 4, Oct. 1961, pp. 109 - 118, https://www.rihs.org/assetts/files/publications/1961_Oct.pdf
7. ↑ Farnham, Charles William. “John Smith, the Miller, or Providence, Rhode Island, Some of His Descendants.” Rhode Island History, vol. 21, no. 1, Jan. 1962, pp. 16 - 29, https://www.rihs.org/assetts/files/publications/1962_Jan.pdf
8. ↑ Farnham, Charles William. “John Smith, the Miller, or Providence, Rhode Island, Some of His Descendants.” Rhode Island History, vol. 21, no. 2, Apr. 1962, pp. 49 - 62, https://www.rihs.org/assetts/files/publications/1962_April.pdf
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1} Farnham, Charles William. “John Smith, the Miller, or Providence, Rhode Island, Some of His Descendants.” Rhode Island History, vol. 21, no. 1, Jan. 1962, p. 17, https://www.rihs.org/assetts/files/publications/1962_Jan.pdf
10. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Z7-L8LC?cc=2106411&wc=MCB2-X68%3A361612701%2C361619001 : 22 May 2014), Plymouth County Land Deed Records, 1750 - 1753, vol 41, p. 206, image 517 of 593; Plymouth County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2} Chandler, Larry S. "The Legacy of Two Canes in the Lives of the Descendants of John Howland of the Mayflower." Brigham City, Utah: Living Crystal Press, 2013.
12. ↑ Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : 2014), Plymouth County, Marshfield, Births, Marriages, Deaths, Town Records, 1645-1733; image 135 of 147; Marshfield town clerk office, Massachusetts. Text: "John the son of Thomas Howland and Mary his wife was borne April the 16: 1702".
13. ↑ Chandler, Larry S. "The Legacy of Two Canes in the Lives of the Descendants of John Howland of the Mayflower." Brigham City, Utah: Living Crystal Press, 2013, p. 28 - 29.
14. ↑ Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016), https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/13932/188/251747280.
15. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Z7-K91B : 22 May 2014), Plymouth County Deeds, 1735 - 1739, vol 30, p. 139, image 157 of 740; Plymouth County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
16. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Z7-K92L : 22 May 2014), Plymouth County Deeds, 1735 - 1739, vol 30, p. 221, image 243 of 740; Plymouth County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
17. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Z7-K9G5 : 22 May 2014), Plymouth County Deeds, 1735 - 1739, vol 30, p. 222, image 243 of 740; Plymouth County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
18. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89Z7-L8LC?cc=2106411&wc=MCB2-X68%3A361612701%2C361619001 : 22 May 2014), Plymouth County Land Deed Records, 1750 - 1753, vol 41, p. 206, image 517 of 593; Pymouth County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
19. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9ZS-1SCS?cc=2106411&wc=MCB2-FPD%3A361612901%2C361622301 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deeds 1742-1743, vol 31, p. 245, image 383 of 413; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
20. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9ZS-1SK1?cc=2106411&wc=MCB2-FPD%3A361612901%2C361622301 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deeds 1742-1743, vol. 31, p. 246, image 384 of 413; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.</re>
    (Bristol County Land Deed Records, Volume 31, page 245)
21. ↑ ^{21.0 21.1} Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89ZS-Y9WR?cc=2106411&wc=MCB2-N23%3A361612901%2C361623801 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deed Records, 1744 - 1745, vol. 33, p. 382, image 448 of 493; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
22. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Z3-9YSJ?cc=2106411&wc=MCBG-9NL%3A361612901%2C361849501 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deed Records, 1719-1720, vol. 13, part 1, p. 38, image 334 of 652; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
23. ↑ Massachusetts Land Records, 1620-1986, images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89ZS-1V7K?cc=2106411&wc=MCBG-924%3A361612901%2C361853101 : 22 May 2014), Bristol County, Deed Records 1724 - 1726, vol. 16, p. 260, image 140 of 553; Bristol County courthouse and office, Massachusetts.
24. ↑ ^{24.0 24.1} Family Tree DNA. Howland DNA Project - Y-DNA Colorized Chart.

See also:

• Ladd, A. William, and Rhoda English Ladd. 2002. Notes on the Family of John Howland and Freelove Wood. Oregon, IL: The Author.

• Chandler, Larry S. "The Legacy of Two Canes in the Lives of the Descendants of John Howland of the Mayflower." Brigham City, Utah: Living Crystal Press, 2013.