Robert  Howard.  A  Mr.  Howard  (most  probably
Robert)  received  a  portion  of  land  in  the  first  divi-
sion in  1638  ;  was  in  Dorchester  in  1644,  and
probably  earlier ;  was  chosen  to  manage  the  affairs
of  the  schools  in  1646  ;  was  made  freeman  in
February,  1642-3;  was  a  Selectman  in  1651  and
1652,  and  Clerk  of  the  Writs  until  Deacon  Wiswell
returned  from  England.  He  was  dismissed  from  the
church  at  Dorchester,  to  join  the  church  at  Boston,
Aug.  16,  1668.  His  wife's  name  was  Mary.  He
probably  had  sons,  Robert  and  Jonathan ;  and  a
daughter,  Mary,  who  married  Samuel  Bass,  jr.  He
died  in  1683,

Jonas  Humphrey  came  to  Dorchester  with  his
wife  Frances  and  son  James,  from  Wendover,  in
Buckinghamshire,  England  (where  he  had  been  a
constable),  in  1634.  James  was  about  twenty-six
years  old  when  they  arrived.  Mr.  Humphrey  was
grantee  of  Neck  lands  in  1637  ;  member  of  the
church  in  1639;  fi-eeman.  May  13,  1640;  and  pro-
prietor in  the  great  lots  in  1646.  He  bought  the
place  then  owned  by  William  Hammond,  who  came
with  the  first  settlers,  but  afterwards  removed  to
Windsor.  His  children  were  —  Jonas,  died  Oct.  30,
1689 ;  James ;  HopestUl,  baptized  10  (4)  1649 ;
Eliz&bcth.  Susan  married  Nicholas  White.  Sarah
was  buried  in  1638,  He  also  had  a  daughter  who
married  Mr.  Foye.  He  lived  in  what  is  now  called
Humphrey  street,  and  the  estate  is  still  in  possession


HI8T0BT  OF  D0BCHE8T£B.  125

of  his  descendants.  He  died  9  (1)  1661-2*  His  wife
died  2  (6)  1668.
Nathaniel  Holder  was  in  Dorchester  early,  and
was  a  member  of  the  church  in  1638,  but  probably
did  not  remain  long  in  the  town.  He  is  undoubtedly
the  person  Dr.  Harris  calls  Nathaniel  Holden.
