The Ancestors of My Grandchildren

     John Whitney was born b 1645. (He was of age before 20 Jan 1665/66, when he was granted land.)^1,2 He married Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Richard Smith, on 17 Mar 1674/75 at Norwalk, Connecticut.^1,2 He died on 11 Oct 1720 in Norwalk, Connecticut, because his estate was administered.^4,2

Other information:

John Whitney was a millwright. At a town meeting december 27th 1677 it was voted and agreed on between the town and the miller, John Whitne, that the townsmen are to carry their corn to the mill on the third and sixth days of the week, commonly called Tuesday and Friday, which days he has to grind it, and the said John can clear the mill of the corn that is brought in the aforesaid two days, or before, then the rest of the days of the week he may take to attend to his own business, but if he cannot clear the mill of the brought in corn, he must clear it before he leaves.^1,2
     He built a fulling-mill at Norwalk, which he gave, 14 Ap. 1707, to his son John Whitney.²
     He sold to his son, John Whitney, 8 July 1712, in consideration of a bond to pay certain sums of money, the grist-mill, and land belonging thereto, taking, 9 July 1712, a life-lease of the premises. His son reconveyed the whole property, three days before his death; and a month later, the father secured the fulling-mill to the widow during the minority of he son, with remainder to him. He finally sold the grist-mill, 20 May 1713, to his son Joseph Whitney, for which Joseph was to pay his father's debts, give him one half of all grain that should be received for toll at the mill during the father's life, if demanded; "and, after ye decease of ye said John Whitne, to maintain his mother, Elizabeth Whitne (if she survive) Honourably During her natural life, if she Remaine ye sd John Whitne's widdow," and within four years after John Whitney's death, pay to his heirs £50 "in Provision pay at price currant equivalent to two thirds of said sum in money."²