Francis Brayton

  General Notes:

Very little is known about this man, but many feel he came from England. One fact is known: he is considered the American progenitor of the entire Brayton line. All across Rhode Island, there are towns which were once named after him or his offspring.

Progenitor for the Rhode Island Brayton lineage. No one has been able to prove where he came from, although many suspect he came from England. The first record he left was in a town meeting in Portsmouth on November 28, 1643. The record states that Francis "was received as an inhabitant, gave his engagement unto the government and propounded for a lot of land." Much of the information on the Brayton line until about 1800 comes from "Brayton Family History," Volumes 1 & 2, Clifford Ross Brayton, Jr., 1978 & 1982, Rochester, New York 14612 LCC 78-73857. Brayton gives the history of Francis and his descendents. ID numbers given here in the form of Brayton #n correspond to the ID numbers in Brayton's book. Will dated 10/17/1690, proved 9/5/1692 Exx. wife Mary. Overseers, friends George Brownell, John Borden and John Anthony. To wife, use and profit of all land I bought of Stephen Burton and housing thereon in Portsmouth, and she to have use of all movables and real estate, goods, cattle, chattels, &c. and if needful she may dispose of any part for comfortable maintenance. To eldest son Francis, all wearing appearel and confirmation of lands already given. To 2d son Stephen, confirmation of lands already given, and 5s. At death of wife the land bought of Stephen Burton, about 4 acres, and housing, to go to eldest son Francis he paying legacies. To eldest daughter Martha Pearce, 5s. To daughter Elizabeth Bourne, L2. To daughter Sarah Gatchel, L2. To grandson Francis, son of Francis, L2. To grandson Preserved, son of Stephen, L2. To grandson Francis Pearce, L2. To granddaughter Mary, wife of James Tallman, L2. At death of wife, movables (with some exceptions) to be divided to children and grandchildren, viz: sons Francis and Stephen, daughters Elizabeth Bourne and Sarah Gatchell, and my grandson Francis Pearce, and granddaughter Mary, wife of James Tallman. - quoted from Microfilm 84/8004 (C) from Library of Congress, Brayton, Descendents of Francis and Mary Brayton, of Portsmouth, RI, 2/14/[18]85. LDS gives name as Franas, gives father's name as Francis I; AFN: 18VB-DMM, born in England.

Francis married Mary.