Dolor Davis facts for kids
Dolor Davis was born around 1599 in Kent, England. He was a skilled carpenter and master builder. Not much is known about his early life until he sailed to America. He arrived in Boston in May 1634.
Dolor married Margery Willard in Kent, England, on March 29, 1624. Margery was born in 1602 and passed away before 1667. Her brother, Simon Willard, became a very close friend of Dolor throughout their lives.
In 1635, Dolor bought 25 acres (10 ha) of land in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This area is now near where Harvard College stands. On April 17, 1635, his wife Margery and their three children sailed from London to New England on a ship called the Elizabeth. They joined Dolor in Cambridge.
However, Dolor and Simon Willard decided not to stay in Cambridge for long. Many settlers moved around during those years. In August 1635, they sold their land in Cambridge. Dolor later became a member of the Duxbury Church in 1640.
Life in Duxbury
Dolor Davis moved to Duxbury around 1638 or 1639. He was granted land there in 1640. He received 50 acres (20 ha) of land and space for his cows to graze. He also became an official member of the Duxbury Church.
Dolor and his wife Margery left the Duxbury church on August 27, 1648. They moved to the Barnstable church. He only stayed in Duxbury for about three years before moving on to Barnstable.
Moving to Barnstable
In 1643, Dolor Davis moved again, this time to Barnstable. He and his sons were listed among men aged 16 to 60 who were ready to serve in the local defense.
In June 1645, he was sworn in as a member of the Grand Inquest of Plymouth Colony. This group was like a grand jury, investigating serious crimes. A year later, he became a "freeman" of Barnstable. This meant he had full rights as a citizen, including the right to vote.
In 1652, Dolor Davis was chosen to be a surveyor of highways in Barnstable. This job involved planning and maintaining roads. In 1654, he was chosen as the constable of Barnstable. A constable was a local law enforcement officer. He continued working as a carpenter in Barnstable until he moved to Concord in 1655.
Dolor returned to Barnstable from Concord in 1666. He stayed there until he passed away in June 1673. His will, a legal document about his wishes for his property, was dated September 13, 1672, and approved on July 2, 1673. In his will, Dolor mentioned his sons Simon and Samuel, his son John, his daughter Mary and her husband Lewis, and his daughter Ruth Hall.
Years in Concord
In 1656, Dolor left Plymouth Colony and went back to Concord, Massachusetts. This became his home for the next 11 years. He bought 150 acres (61 ha) of land, including a house, from Roger Draper of Concord. This property became Dolor's main home.
While in Concord, he reconnected with his friend Simon Willard. In 1659, Dolor was listed as one of the landowners in Concord. His wife Margery passed away sometime during his stay in Concord. Being alone, he left Concord in 1666 and returned to Barnstable.
How to Say His Name
Dolor Davis's first name is pronounced like the word "dollar." Over his lifetime, his name was spelled in many different ways. Some of these spellings include Dolor, Dolar, Dolard, Dolord, Dolore, Dollard, Dolerd, Dollerd, and Dollar.
Family Life
Dolor Davis married Margery Willard from Horsemonden, Kent, in 1624. Margery was christened around 1602. They had six children together. Three of their children were born in England, and the other three were born in America.
Their children were:
- John, born 1626, in East Farleigh, England. He later inherited the family home. John passed away on April 9, 1703, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. He married Hannah Linnell.
- Mary, born 1631, in England.
- Elizabeth, born 1633, in England. She passed away when she was young.
- Samuel, born July 11, 1639, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He passed away on October 30, 1720, in Concord, Massachusetts. He married Mary Meadows.
- Simon, born 1640, in Massachusetts.
- Ruth, born 1645, in Barnstable, Massachusetts.
