The Marks Family far and near

Joseph Marks Leased land in 1684 in Enfield (known as MA) and in 1685 Springfield MA from John Pynchon. He let the lease in Enfield lapse and apparently never took possesion of it. I'm not sure what the legal age was to sign legal documents. I would expect it was at least 18. If that is the case, then this Joseph had to have been born no later than 1666.
This taken from the original account books of John Pynchon:
The land grants of Enfield (formerly MA) show that on June 30, 1684, Joseph Marks was "granted in all 40 acres provided he settles thereon and go about it as soon as his now time of service with Goodman Colton is out, managing and carrying on to the satisfaction of the committee, otherwise to forfeit it and loose (sic) it all." "In 1686, Joseph went to board with John Pynchon's family in Springfield MA, so he probably gave up the Enfield lot. He had several grants in Springfield after this time. As one of the "Original Proprietors" of the "Outward Commons" (now known as Southwick MA) he was granted lot 99 of five acres and seventy-six rods, a curious shaped piece less than a rod wide and nearly a quarter mile long.
Over fifty years after, March 3, 1748 Richard Marks of Western (now Warren MA) deeded this same lot 99 describing it as "the lott originally granted to Joseph Marks deceased formerly of Brookfield",...was taken prisoner, and carried to Canada, but returned in 1692 and settled in North Brookfield. "He married, probably soon after this, in Springfield Mary ---?. His house was one a fortified house called a garrison house. Marks Mountain in Warren MA, near Brookfield, was named for him. He and his sons had extensive grants on the southerly side of the Quaboag River. While Joseph was living there he sold to Ebenezer Parsons, January 23, 1702/3, the "West Chickupi" (Chicopee) property, mentioned above. "He also sold, March 28, 1717/18, to Captain Henry Dwight, of Hatfield, a certain Parcell of land within the township of Brookfield aforesaid viz: In that tract called the plaine containing seven acres ect. He deeded, March 29, 1725, to his son-in-law, John Peters (husband of Mary b. Sep 13, 1698) of Hebron Tolland Co. CT, "in consideration of the love & good will" he bore him, certain land in Brookfield. This deed was acknowleged before Michael Taintor, at Colchester CT March 31, 1725. He died probably at Brookfield, and before 1740," Note: John Peters was living in Tolland Co. CT at the time Joseph deeded him the land. This is why the transaction was done in CT.) Shortly afterward, John Peters sold half the land to his brother-in-law John Marks (son of Joseph b. Sep 21, 1715). According to this article, there is a bond and inventory on file in the Probate Office in Worcester, Worcester Co. MA. In the records of a town meeting in Springfield, November 27, 1685: "Joseph Marks doth desire the Towne to grant him 30 acres of upland, and six or seven acres of meadow above the Chickuppi river, if he can find any such land indisposed of." This was granted the following February.
There is reference to him being captured and taken to Canada in 1689 while he was in Captain Bull's company in Albany/Schenectady NY. He was sent to Schenectady in November 1689. He was sent to protect the English settlers there against the French and Indians. In a skirmish Joseph and Samuel Beamon were taken prisoners. Beamon escaped but Joseph was carried to Canada whence, after varied experience, he returned about March of 1692, and soon after came to Brookfield, where he received a grant of sixty acres of upland for a houselot. He afterwards had additional grants of a hundred and eighty acres. His was one of the "fortified houses" named in connection with the Indian wars. It was also said Mary, while the men away seen French and Indians near by. She put on her husband's wig, coat, hat and gun. She proceed to be a "town cryer" stating all was well. The French and Indians then left thinking the house were protected.
In memory of Sue Marks.

Today there is a town called Marks Garrison Massachusetts. It is where Joseph and Mary Marks had their Garrison house. It is located on Route 67 east of the intersections of 19 and 9.


Pictures I took in Marks Garrison MA, The place where Joseph had his Garrison House.


Marks Garrison


Joseph Marks


Old Marks Pictures

This page contains photos of folks that are Marks' or related to the Marks family. If you would like to contribute to this page with credit, please email me.


Back to my Main Page


Email






You can find these beautiful graphics and More!