RIAMCO

Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online

For Participating Institutions

Samuel Wyllys papers (Ms.Wyllys)

Brown University Library

Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
email: hay@brown.edu

Inventory

Series 1. Court records, 1662-1757
Box 1-3

Container Description Date
Box 1, Folder 1 Unknown & Greensmith
Contents Note: Testimony of Maria Skreech in regards to the suspicious death of a sow.
Accession Number: Ms. 337 (W-1)
1662 January 8
Box 1, Folder 2 Unknown & Greensmith
Contents Note: Testimony of Rebecca, his wife (referring also to Goodwives Seagar, Sanford. Ayers, Grant, Palmer, Varlett, and James Walkely.) Hung.
1692
Box 1, Folder 3 Seager
Contents Note: Report of trial. Signed Walt. Fyler. Acquitted.
Accession Number: Ms. 338 (W-2)
1662 January 16
Box 1, Folder 4 Seager
Contents Note: Testimony of Mrs. Migat. Acquitted.
Accession Number: Ms. 339 (W-3)
1662 May
Box 1, Folder 5 Seager
Contents Note: Testimony of Goodwife Garrett. Testimony of Goodman Garrett, regarding a mess of parsnips. Testimony of Goodwife Wattson. Acquitted.
Accession Number: Ms. 340 (W-4)
1665 June 17
Box 1, Folder 6 Ayres
Contents Note: Testimony of Dr. Rossiter on death of Kelly's child.
Accession Number: Ms. 341 (W-5)
1662 March 31
Box 1, Folder 7 Ayres
Contents Note: Testimony of John and Bethia Kelly.
Accession Number: Ms. 342 (W-6)
1662 May 13
Box 1, Folder 8 Pamer
Contents Note: Testimony of Goodwife Robins.
Accession Number: Ms. 343 (W-7)
1662 ?
Box 1, Folder 9 Graves, William
Contents Note: January 30, 1666/7 - Testimony of Ann Smith regarding condition of Debell's wife and statements of William Graves. January 31, 1666/7 - Testimony of Mary Scolefield (January); Testimony of Thomas Steadwell. February 4, 1666/7 - Testimony of Mary Homes; Testimony of Mary Scolefield; Testimony of Thomas Steadwell; Testimony of Zacery Debell; Testimony of Elizabeth Steadwell.
Accession Number: Ms. 344 (W-8)
circa 1666 January 30-31, February 4
Box 1, Folder 10 Graves, William
Contents Note: February 4 1666/7 - Testimony of Zacery Debell; Testimony of Ann Hardy; Testimony of Sarah Bates; Testimony of Samuel Debell.
Accession Number: Ms. 345 (W-9)
circa 1666 February 4
Box 1, Folder 11 Harrison
Contents Note: (With reference also to James Waltley). Testimony of Thomas Bracy regarding the cutting of a pair of breeches, a calf's head, etc.
Accession Number: Ms. 346 (W-10)
1668 August 13
Box 1, Folder 12 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of Elizabeth Smith, regarding fortune telling.
Accession Number: Ms. 347 (W-11)
1668 September 23
Box 1, Folder 13 Harrison
Contents Note: Grievances of the Widow Harrison.
Accession Number: Ms. 348 (W-12)
1668 October 6
Box 1, Folder 14 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of Joseph Dikenson.
Accession Number: Ms. 349 (W-13)
1668 October 13
Box 1, Folder 15 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of John Graves. Experiment of grazing oxen on Katherine Harrison's land.
Accession Number: Ms. 350 (W-14)
1668 October 29
Box 1, Folder 16 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of Joane Frances. In regards to her sick child and the exploding of a barrel of beer.
Accession Number: Ms. 351 (W-15)
1668 October 29
Box 1, Folder 17 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of Mary Kercum. Testimony of Goodwife Johnson regarding a nose bleed.
Accession Number: Ms. 352 (W-16)
1668 October 29
Box 1, Folder 18 Harrison
Contents Note: Testimony of Mary Hale.
Accession Number: Ms. 353 (W-17)
1669 May 25
Box 1, Folder 19 Harrison
Contents Note: Opinion of certain ministers (Said by Taylor to be in the handwriting of the Reverend Gershom Bulkeley).
Accession Number: Ms. 354 (W-18)
1669 October 20
Box 1, Folder 20 Clauson and Disbrow
Contents Note: Accused by Catherine Branch. Clauson Acquitted. Disbrow condemned and later reprieved. Occasional reference to Goodwives Miller, Harvey, Abison, Etc. suspected. May 27, 1692 - Complaint of Serjeant Daniel Wescott on behalf of Catherine Branch, afflicted. Clauson and Disbrow accused by Catherine Branch before the court. May 28, 1692 - Examination of Goody Clauson. Examination of Goody Disbrow. Reports upon official search of Clauson and Disbrow.
Accession Number: Ms. 355 (W-19)
1692 May 27-28
Box 1, Folder 21 Clauson and Disbrow
Contents Note: Testimony of J. Selleck on examination of Catherine Branch.
Accession Number: Ms. 356 (W-20)
1692 June 13
Box 1, Folder 22 Clauson and Disbrow
Contents Note: June 28, 1692 - Report of J. Selleck on Catherine Branch during a "stife fitt". Deposition of J. Selleck on Catherine Branch while in her senses. June 29, 1692 - Further deposition of J. Selleck.
Accession Number: Ms. 357 (W-21)
1692 June 28
Box 1, Folder 23 Clauson
Contents Note: Letter of J. Selleck to Nathan Gold on examination of Catherine Branch.
Accession Number: Ms. 358 (W-22)
1692 June 29
Box 1, Folder 24 Clauson
Contents Note: Deposition of Sarah Kecham, on testing Catherine Branch's sincerity by means of a naked sword.
Accession Number: Ms. 359 (W-23)
1692 September 7
Box 1, Folder 25 Clauson
Contents Note: Deposition of Sarah Bates regarding the affliction of Catherine Branch.
Accession Number: Ms. 360 (W-24)
1692 September 13
Box 1, Folder 26 Clauson
Contents Note: Depositions regarding Catherine Branch by: Abraham Finch, Junior; Ebenezer Bishop. Deposition of Abraham Finch, Junior, regarding Goody Clauson.
Accession Number: Ms. 361 (W-25)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 27 Clauson
Contents Note: Depositions regarding Catherine Branch by: Samuel Holly, Senior and Daniel Wescott.
Accession Number: Ms. 362 (W-26)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 28 Miller
Contents Note: Depositions regarding Catherine Branch by David Selleck.
Accession Number: Ms. 363 (W-27)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 29 Clauson
Contents Note: Testimony of Daniel Wescott regarding Clauson and a sick child.
Accession Number: Ms. 364 (W-28)
1692 June 7
Box 1, Folder 30 Clauson
Contents Note: September 12, 1692 - Testimony of Abigail Wescott vs. Clauson. September 15, 1692 - Testimony of Daniel Wescott regarding quarrel between his wife and Goody Clauson.
Accession Number: Ms. 365 (W-29)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 31 Clauson and Disbrow
Contents Note: Ministers' opinion on evidence presented. Signed by Joseph Eliot and Timothy Woodbridge.
Accession Number: Ms. 366 (W-30)
1692 October 17
Box 1, Folder 32 Clauson
Contents Note: Reports of Sarah Bates and others on search of Goody Clauson.
Accession Number: Ms. 367 (W-31)
1692 October 24
Box 1, Folder 33 Clauson
Contents Note: Testimony of John Finch on Clauson and a sick child.
Accession Number: Ms. 368 (W-32)
1692 October 28
Box 1, Folder 34 Disbrow
Contents Note: Examination of Mercy Disbrow with depositions by: Thomas Benit, Elizabeth Benit, Hanny Grey, Ann Godfree, and John Gramman.
Accession Number: Ms. 369 (W-33)
1692 June 6
Box 1, Folder 35 Disbrow
Contents Note: Depositions regarding Mercy Disbrow by: Benjamin Duning, Joseph Stirg, Thomas Halliberch, Joseph Wakeman. Examination of Mercy Disbrow before Special Court regarding her desire to be ducked.
Accession Number: Ms. 370 (W-34)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 36 Disbrow
Contents Note: Testimony of Edward Jesop vs. Mercy Disbrow regarding roast pig.
Accession Number: Ms. 371 (W-35)
1692 September 15
Box 1, Folder 37 Disbrow
Contents Note: Reasons for reprieving Mercy Disbrow. Signed by Samuel Willis, William Pitkins, and Nathaniel Stanly.
Accession Number: Ms. 372 (W-36)
1693 May 12
Box 1, Folder 38 Staples
Contents Note: Testimony of John Tash regarding Goodwife Staples (who was referred to during examination of June 29, 1692).
Accession Number: Ms. 373 (W-37)
1692 July 12
Box 1, Folder 39 general
Contents Note: Grounds for the examination of a witch. Said to be in the handwriting of William Jones, a Deputy Governor of Connecticut.
Accession Number: Ms. 374 (W-38)
undated
Box 1, Folder 40 Clauson and Disbrow
Contents Note: September 14, 1692 - Indictment of Mercy Disbrow and Elizabeth Clauson before the court of Oyer and Terminer. September 15, 1692 - Record of her (Disbrow?) remandment to jail pending verdict from jury. September 15-16, 1692 - Acquittal of Mary Staples, Mary Harveuy, and Hanah Harveuy. September 1692 - Record of remandment to jail pending verdict from the jury. October 28, 1692 - Acquittal of Elizabeth Clauson. Mercy Disbrow adjudged guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death.
Accession Number: Ms. 375 (W-39)
1692 September 14
Box 1, Folder 41 Court records
Accession Number: Ms. 377
Box 2, Folder 1 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 453
1667 October
Box 2, Folder 2 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 454
1672?
Box 2, Folder 3 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 455
1672?
Box 2, Folder 4 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 456
1668 November 24
Box 2, Folder 5 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 457
1703
Box 2, Folder 6 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 458
1671 May 18
Box 2, Folder 7 Gold
Accession Number: Ms. 459
1672 April 7
Box 2, Folder 8 United
Accession Number: Ms. 460
1675 February 8
Box 2, Folder 9 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 461
1676 October 1
Box 2, Folder 10 Avery
Accession Number: Ms. 462
1682 July 24
Box 2, Folder 11 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 463
1683 June 13
Box 2, Folder 12 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 464
1685 January 8
Box 2, Folder 13 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 465
1685 February 23
Box 2, Folder 14 Parker
Accession Number: Ms. 466
1689 May 9
Box 2, Folder 15 Connecticut 1667-1714
Contents Note: (Oct 20 copy)
Accession Number: Ms. 467
1697 May 13
Box 2, Folder 16 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 468
1697 October 20
Box 2, Folder 17 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 469
1705?
Box 2, Folder 18 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 470
1703 December 22
Box 2, Folder 19 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 471
1703 December 22
Box 2, Folder 20 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 472
1681 May 18
Box 2, Folder 21 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 473
1714
Box 2, Folder 22 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 474
1704
Box 2, Folder 23 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 475
1713 May 14
Box 2, Folder 24 Saltonstall
Accession Number: Ms. 476
1714 May 3
Box 2, Folder 25 Treat
Accession Number: Ms. 477
1690 June 24
Box 2, Folder 26 Burr
Accession Number: Ms. 478
1705 October 18
Box 2, Folder 27 Connecticut
Contents Note: 2 sections (inserted)
Accession Number: Ms. 479
1711 June 19
Box 2, Folder 28 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 480
1711 June
Box 2, Folder 29 Milborne
Accession Number: Ms. 481
1690 August 4
Box 2, Folder 30 United
Accession Number: Ms. 482
1690 May 1
Box 2, Folder 31 United
Accession Number: Ms. 483
1709 October 6
Box 2, Folder 32 Penhallow
Accession Number: Ms. 484
1721 July 17
Box 2, Folder 33 Bust
Accession Number: Ms. 485
circa 1689 February 7
Box 2, Folder 34 Courrlissen
Accession Number: Ms. 486
1690 April 1
Box 2, Folder 35 Leisler
Accession Number: Ms. 487
1689 March 1
Box 2, Folder 36 Greene
Accession Number: Ms. 488
1757 August 17
Box 2, Folder 37 Anne
Accession Number: Ms. 489
circa 1710 February 21
Box 2, Folder 38 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 490
1641
Box 2, Folder 39 Some considerations tending to the maintainge of a right understandings & good correspondency between the two colonys of New Yorke and Connecticut
Contents Note: Draft of a document giving Connecticut commercial and political privileges on eastern Long Island. See transcription for a discussion of significance of this manuscript and the roles of Wyllys and Winthrop.
Accession Number: Ms. 491
circa 1674
Box 2, Folder 40 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 492
1663 October 20
Box 2, Folder 41 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 493
1664 April 18
Box 2, Folder 42 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 494
1663 October 14
Box 2, Folder 43 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 495
1664 May 19
Box 2, Folder 44 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 496
1668 May 12
Box 2, Folder 45 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 497
1669 May 26
Box 2, Folder 46 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 498
1669 May
Box 2, Folder 47 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 499
1674 January 28
Box 3, Folder 1 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 500
1675 May 27
Box 3, Folder 2 Denslow
Contents Note: [i.e. 1728 June 18?]
Accession Number: Ms. 501
1728 February 23
Box 3, Folder 3 Roberts
Accession Number: Ms. 502
1683 October
Box 3, Folder 4 Moore
Accession Number: Ms. 503
1675 May 25
Box 3, Folder 5 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 504
1675 May 26
Box 3, Folder 6 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 505
1678 May 15
Box 3, Folder 7 Rogers
Accession Number: Ms. 506
1676
Box 3, Folder 8 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 507
1681 May
Box 3, Folder 9 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 508
1682 October
Box 3, Folder 10 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 509
1685 May 14
Box 3, Folder 11 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 510
1698 September 19
Box 3, Folder 12 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 511
1698 July 18
Box 3, Folder 13 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 512
1698?
Box 3, Folder 14 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 513
1698 October 27
Box 3, Folder 15 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 514
1708 May 25
Box 3, Folder 16 Weathersfield
Contents Note: 3 parts
Accession Number: Ms. 515
1710 May 11
Box 3, Folder 17 John Pynchon grants power of attorney to Samuel Wyllys
Contents Note: John Pynchon of Springfield, Massachusetts, authorizes Samuel Wyllys to handle his business affairs in Connecticut. "Signed sealed & dlvd in presence off" two witnesses.
Accession Number: Ms. 516
1691 August 20
Box 3, Folder 18 Saunders
Accession Number: Ms. 517
1728 February 23
Box 3, Folder 19 Connecticut
Contents Note: [i.e. 1708 January 22-1710 October 27?]
Accession Number: Ms. 518
circa 1708 January 27
Box 3, Folder 20 unidentified index consisting of pages numbered 770-789
Accession Number: Ms. 519
undated
Box 3, Folder 21 Oliver
Accession Number: Ms. 520
1669 November 3
Box 3, Folder 22 Bill
Accession Number: Ms. 521
1662 June 27
Box 3, Folder 23 Advice
Accession Number: Ms. 522
circa 1675 January?
Box 3, Folder 24 Cobbet
Accession Number: Ms. 523
1677 April 25
Box 3, Folder 25 List
Accession Number: Ms. 524
1697 June 25
Box 3, Folder 26 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 525
circa 1708
Box 3, Folder 27 Hartford
Contents Note: 4 sewn parts
Accession Number: Ms. 526
1689?
Box 3, Folder 28 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 527
1711 October
Box 3, Folder 29 Hartford
Contents Note: [i.e. 1738 October 5-December 25], 4 sewn leaves.
Accession Number: Ms. 528
1738 October 5
Box 3, Folder 30 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 529
1638 June 23
Box 3, Folder 31 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 530
1643 May 15
Box 3, Folder 32 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 531
1733 July 13
Box 3, Folder 33 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 532
1733 July 13

Series 2. Court records transcriptions
Box 3-4

Court records transcriptions - copies Ms. 337 - 354 (W-1 - W-18)
Box 3, Folder 34

Court records transcriptions - copies Ms. 355 - 375 and extras (W-19 - W-39)
Box 3, Folder 35

Court records transcriptions - Ms. 453 - 489 (Ms. 460 absent)
Box 4, Folder 1

Court records transcriptions - preliminary - Ms. 453 - 477
Box 4, Folder 2

Court records transcriptions - preliminary - Ms. 478 - 499
Box 4, Folder 3

Court records transcriptions Ms. 490-532; Ms. 506, 522, and 523 absent
Box 4, Folder 4

Container Description Date
Box 4, Folder 4 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 490
1641
Box 4, Folder 4 Some considerations tending to the maintainge of a right understandings & good correspondency between the two colonys of New Yorke and Connecticut
Contents Note: Draft of a document giving Connecticut commercial and political privileges on eastern Long Island.
Accession Number: Ms. 491
circa 1674
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 492
1663 October 20
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 493
1664 April 18
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 494
1663 October 14
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 495
1664 May 19
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 496
1668 May 12
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 497
1669 May 26
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 498
1669 May
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 499
1674 January 28
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 500
1675 May 27
Box 4, Folder 4 Denslow
Contents Note: [i.e. 1728 June 18?]
Accession Number: Ms. 501
1728 February 23
Box 4, Folder 4 Roberts
Accession Number: Ms. 502
1683 October
Box 4, Folder 4 Moore
Accession Number: Ms. 503
1675 May 25
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 504
1675 May 26
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1667-1714
Accession Number: Ms. 505
1678 May 15
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 507
1681 May
Box 4, Folder 4 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 508
1682 October
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 509
1685 May 14
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 510
1698 September 19
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 511
1698 July 18
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 512
1698?
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut 1663-1698
Accession Number: Ms. 513
1698 October 27
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 514
1708 May 25
Box 4, Folder 4 Weathersfield
Contents Note: 3 parts
Accession Number: Ms. 515
1710 May 11
Box 4, Folder 4 John Pynchon grants power of attorney to Samuel Wyllys
Contents Note: John Pynchon of Springfield, Massachusetts, authorizes Samuel Wyllys to handle his business affairs in Connecticut. "Signed sealed & dlvd in presence off" two witnesses.
Accession Number: Ms. 516
1691 August 20
Box 4, Folder 4 Saunders
Accession Number: Ms. 517
1728 February 23
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut
Contents Note: [i.e. 1708 January 22-1710 October 27?]
Accession Number: Ms. 518
circa 1708 January 27
Box 4, Folder 4 unidentified index consisting of pages numbered 770-789
Accession Number: Ms. 519
undated
Box 4, Folder 4 Oliver
Accession Number: Ms. 520
1669 November 3
Box 4, Folder 4 Bill
Accession Number: Ms. 521
1662 June 27
Box 4, Folder 4 List
Accession Number: Ms. 524
1697 June 25
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 525
circa 1708
Box 4, Folder 4 Hartford
Contents Note: 4 sewn parts
Accession Number: Ms. 526
1689?
Box 4, Folder 4 Connecticut
Accession Number: Ms. 527
1711 October
Box 4, Folder 4 Hartford
Contents Note: [i.e. 1738 October 5-December 25], 4 sewn leaves.
Accession Number: Ms. 528
1738 October 5
Box 4, Folder 4 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 529
1638 June 23
Box 4, Folder 4 Wyllys
Accession Number: Ms. 530
1643 May 15
Box 4, Folder 4 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 531
1733 July 13
Box 4, Folder 4 Whiting
Accession Number: Ms. 532
1733 July 13

Court records transcriptions - preliminary - Ms. 500 - 530 (2) (lacks Ms. 506)
Box 4, Folder 5

Series 3. Background information
Box 4

Container Description Date
Box 4, Folder 6 Explanation and summary of records
Contents Note: The manuscript number assigned to this folder is misleading; the contents of this folder are not original court records but include an "Explanation of Wyllys Manuscript Transcriptions" (2 pages).
Accession Number: Ms. 376
undated
Box 4, Folder 6 Oyer and Terminer Court Records of Trials for Witchcraft in Connecticut, 1662/63-1693
Contents Note: The manuscript number assigned to this folder is misleading; the contents of this folder are not original court records but include a summary of the "Oyer and Terminer Court Records of Trials for Witchcraft in Connecticut, 1662/63-1693" listing documents in the collection numbered W-1 to W-39 (6 pages), and transcriptions of these documents (pages numbered 7-92, with some pages unnumbered.).
Accession Number: Ms. 376
undated
Box 4, Folder 7 Background, historical, and family
undated
Box 4, Folder 8 Copies of papers in Connecticut State Library: Ms. 18 - 37 (Mercy Disborough)
Contents Note: Typescripts, not photostats.
undated
Box 4, Folder 9 Index to Wyllys papers - Witchcraft
undated
Box 4, Folder 10 Methods of transcribing
undated