Short Biography of Samuel Shed

Samuel Shed was born in Billlerica, Mass. 13 Aug 1660, being the eldest child of Daniel Shed by his second wife. But little can be learned of his career though it probably did not differ much from that of his brothers. He took the oath of fidelity in 1677 and was thus admitted early to the rights of a freeman. His name is found in a tax rate for Billerica in 1688 in the sum of 2s-2d. His first two children were born in Chelmsford, Mass., but it is presumable that the Indian massacres in the summer of 1690 and again two years later caused him to give up his settlement on the frontier and seek the greater protection afforded in Billerica, little as that was, for the next child's birth is on the records of BIllerica. He appears to have resided later for about eight years in Chelmsford and then after in 1702 in Groton, Mass., where all his later years were spent. He was a man of good standing and possessed of considerable property in that part of Groton since 1753 Pepperell, and died in Groton about Oct. 1723.

His will dated 5 Oct. 1723, just after the death of his son Daniel, and lodged 13 Nov. 1723, has an opening part showing a very religious spirit controllig him. He devises to his beloved wife Elizabeth, then to his son Samuel he gives "Upland and meadow near Baddecook and burnt meadow also a meadow at Cow-pond Brook &c all in Groton." To the heirs of his son "Dnaiel Shead" 40 shillings, and the same to his son Jonathan in full of his share. To his daughters, Elizabeth Robins 5 shillings, Mary Gilson 40 shillings, Hannah Green 40 shillings, Sarah Hutchings 5 pounds, and Esther Pearce 50 shillings, all of them having previously received something. To his youngest daughter Abigail Shead 18 pounds, to be paid at her marriage or when twenty-one yars of age. His youngest son John was residuary legatee of all his buildings and land, his oxen and other cattle, etc., and said son and his mother were appointed executros of the will. (Middlesex County Probate Records, File 20227.)

Source: "Daniel Shed genealogy : ancestry and descendants of Daniel Shed of Braintree, Massachusetts, 1327-1920" ¹⁷¹⁰