SPECTACLE ISLAND lies in Boston harbor 3 1/2 miles from the wharf, between Castle and Long Islands. It was, for the most part, in the possession of the Bill family for about three quarters of century. The first record of sale or transfer to this family of which there is any positive knowledge, is a deed of three lots granted by James Bill, of Pulling Point, to Thomas Bill, of Boston, bearing date Dec. 13, 1666.The above Thomas Bill and his wife Abigail Bill, by deed in 1680, conveyed all their interest in Spectacle Island (about 35 acres) to their son Samuel Bill.
He subsequently became possessed of the entire Island, and it was known for many years after by the name of "Samuel Bill's Island." He continued in the ownership up to the time of his decease, August 18, 1705, when two thirds of it passed by will into the hands of his son, Samuel Bill, Jr. At a later date, this son acquired absolute title and held it up to 1729-30, when it passed into the possession of his brother, Richard Bill, of Boston. It was during the ownership of Samuel Bill, Sr., in the year 1684, when the titles by which the Colonists held their lands were likely to be put in jeopardy, in consequence of the insidious counsel of some of the resident authorities of the home government, that the following deed from an Indian Chief called Josiah or Wamputuck, and several of his counsellors, was thought useful.
Note:
"To all Christian People to whom these presents shall come. JOSIAH,son and Heyer, of Josiah otherwise called Wamputuck, late Sachem of the Massachusetts Country in New England, Sendeth Greeting:--Know ye that I the said Josiah, son of Josiah, for diverse causes and good considerations me thereunto moving, and in particular for and in consideration of a valuable consideration of money to me in hand payd before the ensealing of this deed by Samuel Bill of Boston, Butcher, HAVE with knowledge and consent of my wise men and Councellors, Willam Ahaton, Sen., William Ahaton., Jun., and Robert Mamentaug, Given, granted, sold, enfeoffed, and confirmed, and by these presents Do fully, freely and absolutely give, grant, sell, enfeoffe, convey and cofirme unto the sayed Samuel Bill his heyeres and Assignes forever one certain Island, Scituate in the Massachusetts Bay, commonly known and called by- the name of Spectacle Island in the present possession of the same Bill, with all rights, priveledges and appurtenances thereunto in any wise appertaining and belonging. To have and to Hold the same and every part and parcel thereof unto Him the same Samuel Bill his Heyeres and Assigns to his and their sole Use and benefit, in firm and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee Simple forever. And the said Josiah for himself his heyeres, Executors, Administrators and successors, doth hereby covenant and promise to The said Samuel Bill his heyers and Assigns, that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents that (according to Indian right and title) he is sole owner and proprietor of the said Island, and hatch fill power and authority to sell and convey the same as above sayd, and that the sayd bargained Island with all its priveledges, rights and appurtenances belonging, will and doth unto the sayd Samuel Bill, his heyers and Assigns forever sufficiently warrant and defend against
himself his heyers and successors, and against all and every other person whomsoever having, claiming or pretending to have or claim and Indian right, title or interest in or to the same or any part or parcel thereof.
In witnesse whereof the said Josiah and his counsellors above sayd have hereunto put their hands and seals this thirtieth day of April,in the year one thousand six hundred eighty-four.
Note:
Signed, sealed and delivered JOSIAH his mark ===o
(L.S.)
in the presence of WILLIAM HAHATON (L.S.)
George Merriott OLD WILLIAM his
A mark AHATON (L.S.)
Experience Fisher
* ROBERT MAMENTAUG his Z mark (L.S.)
Note:
Josiah, Indian Sachem, and his Counsellors acknowledged this to betheir Act and Deed, May 1st, 1684, before me,
William Stoughton
from an article in the New England Historic Genealogical Register 1868 Vol 22 p 47.
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