Ensign JAMES KIDDER, believed to have been born in East Grinstead, Sussex, England, about 1626; died at Billerica, Middlesex County, Mass., 16 April 1676, "aged fifty"
according to contemporary records. He married at Cambridge, Mass., presumably late in 1649 or early in 1650, ANNA MOORE of that place, born in England about 1630;
died at Billerica in 1691, daughter of Elder Francis and Katherine Moore. She married secondly at Chelmsford, Mass., 17 Mar. 1684/5, William Underwood.
James Kidder's probable birthplace, East Grinstead, is a small town about thirty miles from London, and in the near vicinity of Maresfield.
Nothing is known of his early years nor of the reasons which prompted his leaving the home of his fathers to settle in New England.
In 1662 the name of James Kidder appears as a juror of the Court at Cambridge. At a town meeting held May 2, 1663 he was
"chosen constble for ye yere insuing, till the Last second day of March," and he served as a selectman in 1666-7, 1669-72, and 1674-5.
October 24th, 1661 James Kidder was chosen its "sarjent," a choice confirmed by the Court at Cambridge, the records of which for the year 1662
recite that "James Kidder is allowed to be a sergant of the Military company at Billerica." He held this position until shortly before his death in 1676,
when he was elected ensign, with Jonathan Dudley lieutenant.
Sergeant Kidder, meanwhile, having been placed in charge of a guard to hold them in check. The situation at Billerica became grave and in August, 1675
a public town meeting was held at which warning of impending danger was given and immediate precautions ordered to be taken for the safety of women and children.
The home of James Kidder, and several others, were designated "to be garrison houses and to entertain such as shall be ordered to them."
On April 16th 1676 the Indians made a foray which was met by the Billerica men several of whom were slain, among them probably
Ensign Kidder, although his is not included among those reported in contemporary lists of the dead.
James Kidder and Anna Moore had 12 children first 6 born in Cambridge, last 6 born in Billerica.
Second Generation in the Colonies
JOHN KIDDER (James1), of Chelmsford, Mass., born at Cambridge, Mass., in 1655/6; died at Chelmsford before 7 Oct. 1731. He married at Chelmsford, 3 Sept. 1684,
LYDIA PARKER, born probably at Woburn, Mass., 17 Feb. 1665; died 10 May 1742, aged 77, daughter of Abraham and Rose (Whitlock) Parker.
John Kidder resided for some years in Billerica, and in 1675/6, during King Philip's War, was assigned to the garrison house of Thomas Pattin
with six other soldiers, and five families. The oath of fidelity was administered to him "before the chiefe officers," Feb. 4th, 1677/8.
In 1681 he purchased of Jonathan Tyng 500 acres of land lying on the West side of the Concord river, in Chelmsford, in which town he resided thenceforth.
Chelmsford town records show that "in 1698 payment was made to "John Kyder" for tythin mens staues, 4s-6d." Under date of 16 Mar. 1691/92,
"John Kide (sic) & family" are mentioned as being in the garrison at Chelmsford. After 1698 no additional references to him are found.
They had 12 children Children, born at Chelmsford:
Third Generation in the Colonies
JAMES KIDDER (John2, James1), born at Chelmsford, Middlesex, Co., Mass., 28 Jan. 1700. He married first, at Chelmsford (int 26 April 1729),
ABIGAIL SARAH WHITCOMB, born at Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, 13 Mar. 1713/14; died at Chelmsford, 16 April 1749 following birth of twins,
daughter of John and Rebecca (Wilder) Whitcomb. Secondly, at Chelmsford (int 30 May 1752), ABIGAIL BALL.
He served in Lovell's Expedition against the Indians in 1724, as a member of Capt. Richardson's Company.
His home was destroyed by fire 14 July 1754.
Nine Children by first wife, all born at Chelmsford, the 3 below moved to East Alstead:
SAMUEL - JAMES - THOMAS
NEXT GENERATION
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Last Edited 7 May 2023
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