TENTH GENERATION

512. Capt. Joseph WILLSON * was born about 1647 in Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA. He died on 14 Jan 1703/4 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. First mention of Joseph is in Malden on 2 May 1670 when, as a blacksmith, he purchased eight acres of land for 85 pounds which was bounded by hyways to Reading and Lynn, "and the dwelling houde thereon standing". With the consent of his wife, Joseph gave the seller a mortgage for 75 pounds. This was the beginning of his many dealings in Malden real estate. The last mention of his real estate dealings was on 29 August 1703 when he and Dorcas sold four acres of land, witnessed by their son Samuel. Joseph's military career began as a corporal in Maldens company of foot soldiers. On 4 June 1685, he was commissioned an Ensign; 11 July 1689 a Lieutenant then a Captain on 20 June 1690. The name Capt. Joseph Wilson appears on the list of those "Majors and Captains agreed upon for the Canada Expedition, Ju;y 1690". At the last moment his name was replaced on the list and he escaped the fate that waited those that went on the campaign. Joseph died intestate and his son John was declared administrator on 12 February 1706. Security was posted by his other sons, Jacob and Benjamine. He was married to Dorcas RANDALL * on 2 May 1670 in Lynn, Middlesex Co., MA.

513. Dorcas RANDALL * was born about 1650 in Lynn, Middlesex Co., MA. Children were:

i. Jacob WILLSON was born on 3 Sep 1671 in Lynn, Middlesex Co., MA. He died on 16 Apr 1741 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. Appointed Malden schoolmaster 29 April 1709; Town Treasurer 10 February 1720 and 1721.
ii. Joseph WILLSON was born on 27 Sep 1673 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. He died on 24 Dec 1720 in Ashford, Windham Co., CT. Joseph died from internal injuries suffered while fighting with his friend and neighbor, John Alpen, over a game of pennies. The injury paralyzed him and after a few days he died leaving a young pregnant wife and family.
iii. John WILLSON was born about 1676 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. He died on 21 Jul 1741 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA.
iv. Benjamin WILLSON was born about 1678 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. He died on 16 Feb 1711/12 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. Died intestate with heirs-at-law being his mother, Dorcas, his sister, Dorcas, and brothers Jacob, Joseph, John, Nathaniel and Samuel, all living in Malden at the time (Malden Probate Court Records, File #25121).
v. Dorcas WILLSON was born about 1681 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. She died after 1712.
256 vi. Nathaniel WILLSON *Sr.
vii. Samuel WILLSON was born about 1687 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA. He died on 20 Mar 1711/12 in Malden, Middlesex Co., MA.