THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 3, 2024 Page 5 INCORPORATION | FROM PAGE 2 were put on trial for “plotting against them and disturbing their peace, both in respects of their civil and church state” and were banished from Plymouth. Later their ways are divided. Lyford went to Nantasket, then to Cape Ann and fi nally to Virginia. Oldham tried to use the Brereton grant, claiming all the lands between the Charles and Saugus Rivers. However, William Blackstone and William Jeff ries, who examined Oldham’s patent, declared it legally void by the Company. When the Massachusetts Bay Company tried to confirm its right to the land, they decided to make a claim on the land. So, 395 years ago, in April 1629, Matthew Cradock (c.1590–1641), Massachusetts Bay Company’s Governor (in London), sent a letter to John Endicott (1600– 1665), the governor of the colony in New England, and his kin by marriage. Cradock warned Endicott against the attempts of Oldham and urged him “to settle an Agreement with the old Planters so as they may not harken to Mr. Oldham’s dangerous though vain propositions. And because we would not omit to do anything which might strengthen our right, we would have you as soon as these ships, or any of them arrive with you, whereby you may have men to do it, send 40 or 50 persons to Massachusetts Bay to inhabit there, which we pray you not to protract, but to do it with all speed...” Following Cradock’s instructions, Governor Endicott sent Sprague brothers and a few companions to research the lands. When they arrived at Mishawum, they saw an “English house, thatched and palisaded” where lived the blacksmith Thomas Walford. Thomas Walford (1599–1666) and his wife Jane (Guy) Walford (1598– 1681) immigrated to New England in 1623 from Waltham, Essex, England. They settled in Mishawaum 400 years ago, in 1624. Thomas and Jane Walford had six children: one son and fi ve daughters. Naturally, Walford, as an old planter, was wary of the newcomers and “received them coldly.” However, he knew the language of Native Americans and helped the Spragues with translation during the negotiations with the Sachem (chief) Wonohaquaham. Walford’s fears very quickly became true. Ironically, three years later, the very people whom Walford helped with the settlement banished him from his house: “...On May 3, 1631, the Massachusetts Bay General Court ordered that “Tho. Walford, of Charlton, is fi ned 40s, and is enjoined, he and his wife, to depart out of the limits of this patent before the 20th day of October next, under pain of confi scation of his goods, for his contempt of authority & confronting offi cers, &c.” He paid his fi ne by killing a wolf. In 1633, Walford had to move to Great Island (now New Castle), at the time a part of Strawbery Banke (now Portsmouth), Rockingham County, New Hampshire. However, his persecution by the Puritans continued. After his departure to New Hampshire, on September 3, 1633, “the same court ordered ‘that the goods of Thomas Walford shall be sequestered, & remain in the hands of Anchient Gennison [Ensign William Jennison], to satisfy the debts he owes in the Bay to several persons.” To be continued… (Inna Babitskaya is a Malden historian; a Malden Historical Commission member and the author of historical books: “From Maldon to Malden,” “Time of Converse” and “Fellsmere Park – Emerald of Malden.”) Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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